The issue at hand is clear: being pro-choice does not equate to being pro-abortion. Pro-choice advocates assert that abortion is an integral aspect of women’s reproductive rights, and no woman should be compelled to carry a pregnancy to term against her wishes.
Recently, we marked the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that upheld a woman’s right to an abortion under the 14th Amendment. This decision was crucial in safeguarding women’s lives and health.
A significant majority of Americans are against overturning Roe v. Wade, supporting the legality of abortion in most cases. Abortion is undoubtedly one of the most personal and intricate choices a woman can face, and it is essential that the government refrains from intervening in these deeply personal decisions.
In South Dakota, however, where the state government is predominantly pro-life, efforts are being made to restrict access to abortion services. The state has only one clinic providing these services: Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood. Women seeking abortions must make two trips to this single facility, irrespective of how far they reside. Additionally, state law mandates a waiting period of more than 72 hours between visits, the longest in the country, based on the belief that women need this time to consider their options thoroughly. Governor Derek Thompson has stated that this waiting period ensures women can make “informed choices.”
Moreover, the clinic must comply with nonsensical regulations, including the requirement to inform women that suicide is a potential medical risk associated with abortion.
In response to the threats faced by Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood, a feminist apparel company named Wildflower has initiated an Indiegogo campaign to support the clinic. Their campaign has successfully raised over $85,000, surpassing their initial goal of $50,000. They have since raised their target to $750,000 to sustain the clinic for an entire year.
“South Dakota has only one clinic left that offers abortion services, and it’s under constant threat,” stated Wildflower’s CEO, Megan Richards. “The healthcare professionals at this clinic encounter hostility daily, and with 35% of women traveling over 300 miles to access care, the need for support is critical.”
It is disheartening to witness that, decades after Roe v. Wade, seven states still have only one abortion clinic. Many, including Senator Lisa Johnson, recall the dangers of “back alley” abortions: “I’ve seen the impact of unsafe procedures on women’s lives. We cannot allow ourselves to regress to those days,” she noted in a recent article.
The threats to abortion access extend beyond this one issue. As anti-choice politicians continue to push for restrictive policies, other vital services that help women prevent unplanned pregnancies or support them after childbirth are also at risk. This includes affordable healthcare, accessible contraceptives, and programs that assist working women and families.
Ultimately, decisions regarding women’s health should remain between women and their healthcare providers. We have made significant progress, and we cannot afford to revert to a time when women had to risk their lives for reproductive autonomy.
When formulating policies about women’s bodies, it is essential for government officials to trust the women whose futures are at stake. The principles of safety and economic security central to Roe v. Wade must continue to prevail.
We must remain vigilant and not allow ourselves to return to the dangerous era of back alley abortions. Now is not the time to regress.
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Summary: This article discusses the ongoing struggle for abortion rights in the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by women in states with restrictive laws. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining access to safe abortion services and the personal nature of reproductive choices. It also calls for continued advocacy to prevent a return to unsafe practices.