During the 2016 election, abortion was a predominant topic. Discussions about potentially overturning Roe v. Wade and cutting funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood filled the air. Surprisingly, on election day, “abortion” was the most searched term on Google. As the current administration’s dubious cabinet takes shape, our fears regarding the fragility of pro-choice legislation and women’s reproductive rights are being confirmed. It’s truly a cause for concern.
Honestly, I find it perplexing that we are still engaged in this debate about abortion and reproductive rights. Is it really the 21st Century? Haven’t we already resolved this issue? Most people would answer affirmatively, noting that a significant majority of Americans support legal abortion. According to a recent Pew study, a record 69% of Americans uphold Roe v. Wade, and a Gallup poll from 2016 revealed that 89% consider birth control “morally acceptable.”
My confusion is accompanied by anger. It frustrates me that we must expend energy fighting for these rights. I’m weary of hearing extremist viewpoints from the religious right, which contradict the very teachings that should inspire compassion. The spread of misinformation is exhausting. It’s infuriating that the narrow-minded opinions of a few can adversely affect the lives of the most vulnerable among us.
It’s disheartening to realize that we are still discussing these fundamental rights. It’s hard to fathom that we are focused on abortion and birth control while significant global issues, like child mortality and income inequality in our own nation, persist.
Yet, here we are again, revisiting this conversation and reiterating our stance. We will continue to advocate for pro-choice legislation because it is beneficial for everyone and is simply the right thing to do. Here’s why it matters:
Anti-choice legislation impacts more than just voluntary abortions.
The term “abortion” encompasses a variety of medical procedures, including D&Cs for missed miscarriages and voluntary medical abortions. Anti-choice legislation affects all women—it also limits access to critical services such as STD screenings, mammograms, and birth control.
These legislative efforts don’t only manifest as attempts to overturn Roe v. Wade or ban late-term abortions; they take forms like mandatory fetal burial laws and forced ultrasounds. Defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides essential services, including birth control and cancer screenings, disproportionately harms low-income individuals. The repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which could eliminate insurance coverage for birth control, demonstrates the widespread effects of anti-choice policies.
Pro-choice legislation actually reduces abortions.
For those who identify as “pro-life” and genuinely wish to decrease the rate of abortions, supporting anti-choice legislation contradicts that goal. Numerous studies have shown that pro-choice laws correlate with lower abortion rates. This is not just an opinion; it’s a fact that has been repeatedly validated.
Pro-choice legislation is about mutual support.
Many proponents of anti-choice legislation claim to follow Christian values that prioritize helping the less fortunate. Ironically, the policies they advocate often harm low-income women the most. As Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a family planning expert, explained, anti-choice legislation forces women into impossible situations—like choosing between buying groceries and affording birth control, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
The hypocrisy is striking: while women are charged exorbitantly for reproductive health, men often receive erectile dysfunction pills at no cost with insurance. This disparity is not just unfair; it’s deeply troubling.
Reproductive rights shape many aspects of life.
A woman’s choice about whether or when to have a child impacts her entire life—education, career, income, and more. Legislation surrounding reproductive rights inherently influences broader societal issues, including education, the wage gap, and housing.
Consider the past: coat hangers.
Women have historically lost their lives seeking unsafe abortions before Roe v. Wade legalized the procedure. If Roe is overturned, states will have the power to regulate abortion access, potentially creating vast disparities in care that could force women to travel long distances for safe procedures—a privilege not all can afford. We cannot allow the tragedies of the past to become our future.
Chances are, you know someone who has had an abortion. Studies suggest that 1 in 3 women will undergo some form of abortion in their lifetime. I am one of those women; I had a D&C procedure after experiencing a missed miscarriage. These laws don’t just affect abstract individuals; they influence your daughters, neighbors, and even you.
Ultimately, it boils down to this: if you oppose abortion, simply don’t have one. However, if you genuinely advocate for life, then supporting pro-choice legislation is essential. Let’s not pretend otherwise.
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In summary, the ongoing battle for pro-choice legislation is not just about abortion; it’s about ensuring fundamental rights for all individuals, addressing broader societal issues, and preventing history from repeating itself. We must keep advocating for these rights until they are universally recognized and protected.