Abortion Importance in the United States
In 1970, Jane Roe (a false name used for her privacy) challenged a Texas law that had made abortion illegal. Identifying that state laws took away her rights as an American by the fourteenth amendment. The outcome of this event was that the Supreme Court, at the at time, determined that women have the constitutional right to choose to have an abortion, vs the right being determined by individual states.
Throughout history in the United States, most cisgender men in politics have had the final say on what women can do with their own lives, including what they can wear, how they can act, and what they are allowed to do with their own anatomy. So, it isn’t shocking that they are trying to take over the ability for women to decide if they want to get an abortion.
Roe v. Wade was the protective barrier for women in this country, and with it overturned the United States has already criminalized abortion in at least five states so far, Politico, while over eight trigger laws are set to be applied in the oncoming future.
How come cisgender men are able to have such a vital input on abortion rights when they have never and will never experience the need for one?
Over 25 million unsafe and dangerous abortions take place every year in America, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), resulting in the fact that criminalizing this needed procedure does not stop abortion from taking place. Criminalizing abortion only impacts the safety of Americans by putting them at a higher risk of infection and possibly even death.
"A procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy carried out either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards or both." the WHO said while describing unsafe abortion.
It is entirely immoral for one to decide what another individual does for their wellbeing. This is especially the case when those without a uterus are making decisions for women that hold great negativity and stigma on how a woman decides to care for herself emotionally and medically.
As many countries have begun decriminalizing abortion for the wellness of Women, many states are doing quite the opposite by placing bans. This results in pregnant women facing limitations and blockades to access abortion. Some limitations include biased rulers, required waiting stretches and inflated cost. In some states abortions can cost anywhere from 300 USD to 15,000 USD depending on various factors such as location, income, how far along into pregnancy one is and health insurance, Planned Parenthood. This is beyond budget for health care for most low-income and middle-class Americans, especially as this expense is unplanned.
These laws are completely unethical, evil and unconstitutional as they take away one's right to freedom and proper healthcare by implicating bans on a fundamental human right.
Not only cisgender women and girls are subject to this criminalization. Intersex individuals, transgender men and boys, as well as others with the reproductive ability to become pregnant and bear a child are all affected, Planned Parenthood.
"The fact is, abortion is an essential component of women's health care," The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG).
Those who need or want an abortion should be permitted to receive nothing but respect, support and privacy, like all medical matters. Those who will never have to deal with abortion get to decide whether or not a solution is put into place, and it is simply not okay. And if they can’t outright ban them, many laws have been put into place in order to control a women's obligation and right to abortion care, such as closing clinics and placing restrictions on access due to one's income level, Pro-Choice America.
Abortions are and always have been necessary for many reasons – rape, health issues, and financial burdens – but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter why she may want one. No one wants to have to get an abortion, women get them because they know it is the right decision for their life at that time. Taking this away from them only leaves women feeling trapped, terrified, and not in control of their future.
"Eliminating the rights of women to make decisions about when and whether to have children would have very damaging effects on the economy and would set women back decades…. In many cases, abortions are of teenage women, particularly low-income and often Black, who aren't in a position to be able to care for children, have unexpected pregnancies, and it deprives them of the ability often to continue their education to later participate in the workforce," US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Household poverty increases and lasts over four years after one is denied an abortion. This is related to increased debt, adverse public records as well as a lower credit score, CNN Business. Due to the fact that one would have to care for their unexpected child for up to 18 years, their lives and everything that they have worked towards will now be forced to come to a halt.
Over 60% of women that seek out abortions have already had other children prior, and being denied this right is seen to lower and worsen the wellbeing of their older children, Slate. NPR.ORG claimed that an example of this is that crucial childhood development stages are not being met due to the criminalization of abortion and the stress it can put on a mother. Those who are denied the right to have an abortion are a lot more likely to have significant health complications such as worsened physical and mental health for years to come. Something so traumatic can cause a lot of damage to an individual who feels they have no control over their own bodies and reproductive systems.
A study known as The Turnaway Study dives into the effects on women's lives after an unwanted pregnancy. The conclusion of this study is that abortion is safe and does not hurt women. Women who choose and receive wanted abortion are seen to set ambitious goals, attain financial stability and are more likely to want a child later in life, Ansirh. ORG.
Ways that Women and Allies can Fight Back
Vocalize your opinion
Starting a conversation on abortion rights can do a lot more than one may think. By educating yourself on the matter and sharing the information with others, you are able to open the mindsets of friends and family.
Share your experiences.
If you have gone through abortion or supported those who have, sharing your story will let others know that it is okay, and others can use your story for comfort and aid. Let's break the negative stigma!
VOTE!
As the United States is approaching the 2024 election, we must focus on abortion in public debate for elected officials. Voting makes all the difference as it allows Americans to express their opinion on abortion in a way that is sure to affect the United States.
Write a letter or an email.
Write a letter or email to your local paper or governor expressing why you believe changes should be made. This will spread positive information around your local city and is a great starting point for modification of abortion criminalization.
Attend pro-choice rallies.
Attending rallies and protests in your city will make all the difference by standing up for what you believe in. While at these marches, you can also post to your social media accounts to share and spread the positive impact you are making. It is good for the government to see the number of people who are pro-choice.
Donations (or Volunteering) That Will Make a Difference:
National Network of Abortion Funds
Donating to the National Network of Abortion ensures that they can continue working to support those who are not able to access or afford abortion. The contribution is split between over 90 non profit organizations such as Fund Texas Choice and Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project.
Planned Parenthood is consistently working to assure comfort and equality when it comes to mental and physical health regarding sex. By donating to Planned Parenthood, they are further able to work towards this goal of equality and women’s rights (especially when it involves abortion laws).
Women On Web also works to support women and their human rights, by donating to them you will be helping them to continue doing so. By working over the phone to support those who are going through abortion mentally and financially, supporting Women On Web will make a great impact.
When donating to Pro Choice, your gift supports multiple abortion providers. It is mentioned on their website that legal access is crucial but in order to have equal and meaningful access to abortion care, they need member clinics across the country.
A is For is an organization that is consistently working towards the end of stigma regarding abortion. Donating to A is For will support them in building towards a world in which individuals are able to access reproductive healthcare without judgment and stigma.
Volunteers provide a safe space for those to sleep the night between appointments, dinner as well as an escort to and from the clinic for ones abortion. Donation to Haven Coalition will help them to provide these services for all of those in need.
