In the wake of the 2016 election, the abortion debate surged back into the limelight, sparking conversations about overturning Roe v. Wade and defunding essential services like Planned Parenthood. On election day, abortion was the most-searched topic on Google. Seriously? As we witness the current administration’s cabinet shape up, our concerns about the fragility of pro-choice legislation and women’s reproductive rights are becoming alarming realities. It’s disheartening, to say the least.
I find myself confounded by the ongoing discourse around reproductive rights. America, are we really still having these discussions in the 21st century? Haven’t we already fought this battle? Most people would say yes; in fact, a recent Pew study indicates that a record 69% of Americans support Roe v. Wade. When it comes to birth control, the numbers are even higher, with a 2016 Gallup poll showing that 89% of Americans deem it “morally acceptable.”
Beyond my confusion, I’m filled with rage. Why are we wasting energy on this issue? I’m weary of hearing extremist views from the religious right that contradict the very essence of compassion that should be at the heart of Christianity. It’s exhausting to debunk misinformation, and it’s infuriating to see the misguided opinions of a few jeopardize the lives of the most vulnerable among us.
Honestly, my go-to reaction when abortion and reproductive rights come up is disbelief. How can we still be advocating for fundamental women’s rights? How can we justify discussing abortion and birth control when there are far more pressing issues, such as children suffering in other parts of the world or the staggering economic divide in our own nation?
Yet, here we are once again, rehashing this conversation. We’ll continue to do so until everyone acknowledges that pro-choice legislation is vital for all of us, as it benefits everyone and is simply the right path forward. Here’s why it matters:
Anti-Choice Legislation Affects More Than Just Abortions
The ramifications of anti-choice legislation extend well beyond voluntary abortions. The term “abortion” encompasses a variety of medical procedures, including D&Cs for missed miscarriages and dilation procedures. Importantly, anti-choice laws impact all women by limiting access to vital services like STD screenings, mammograms, and birth control.
Anti-choice legislation can take various forms—not only attempts to overturn Roe v. Wade. It can manifest as fetal burial laws or mandatory transvaginal ultrasounds. Defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides essential services such as birth control and cancer screenings, is another devastating consequence. These legislative moves affect everyone, regardless of their personal views on abortion.
Pro-Choice Legislation Reduces Abortions
If you consider yourself “pro-life” and genuinely wish to decrease the number of abortions, you cannot support anti-choice legislation. Research consistently shows that pro-choice legislation leads to a reduction in abortion rates. This is a fact that cannot be ignored.
Pro-Choice Is About More Than Just Abortions
Many who advocate for anti-choice legislation claim to follow Christian values, yet their policies often harm low-income families the most. For instance, Adam Taylor, a public health expert, pointed out that anti-choice laws could force women to choose between basic necessities and birth control. It’s appalling that a woman may have to spend $700 on an IUD while men can receive erectile dysfunction medication at no cost under insurance.
Reproductive rights aren’t solely about the act of having children; they influence every aspect of a woman’s life, from education and career prospects to financial stability. Legislation regarding reproductive rights inevitably intertwines with issues like the wage gap and housing.
The Grim Reality of Back-Alley Abortions
We can’t overlook the tragic history of women who suffered or died from unsafe abortions prior to Roe v. Wade. If Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, states would have the power to dictate the conditions under which a woman can obtain an abortion. This could create a patchwork of laws, forcing women to travel long distances for safe medical care—a luxury not available to everyone. We cannot allow the dark stories of the past to resurface in our future.
Chances are, you know someone who has had an abortion. Research indicates that 1 in 3 women will undergo some form of abortion in their lifetime. These laws and policies don’t just affect faceless strangers; they impact your friends, family, and neighbors. They affect you.
In conclusion, if you oppose abortion, simply don’t have one. But if you truly advocate for life, then supporting pro-choice legislation is essential. Let’s not be hypocrites.
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Summary
The ongoing debate surrounding pro-choice legislation is not merely a women’s issue but a societal obligation. Anti-choice laws threaten to undermine essential reproductive health services, disproportionately impacting low-income women and families. Pro-choice legislation not only reduces abortion rates but also safeguards broader reproductive rights that affect all aspects of life. It’s crucial to recognize that these discussions matter for everyone, and the fight for reproductive rights is far from over.