In today’s discourse, it’s essential to clarify a common misconception: being pro-choice does not equate to being pro-abortion. To advocate for pro-choice is to support a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her reproductive health, emphasizing that no woman should be compelled to carry a pregnancy to term against her will.
Recently, we marked the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the pivotal Supreme Court ruling that recognized a woman’s constitutional right to abortion under the 14th Amendment. This decision was instrumental in safeguarding women’s lives.
A significant majority of Americans do not support the reversal of Roe v. Wade, believing that abortion should remain legal in most circumstances. Personally, I view abortion as one of the most intricate and deeply personal choices a woman can face. It’s clear to me that the government should never have the authority to dictate what a woman can or cannot do with her own body.
Unfortunately, in states like South Dakota, where pro-life sentiments dominate every level of government, these rights are under threat. Currently, the only clinic providing abortion services in the state is the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood. Women seeking abortions in South Dakota must endure two visits to this clinic, regardless of their travel distance, with mandated waiting periods exceeding 72 hours—the longest in the nation. This is based on the belief of state legislators, including Governor Tom Harrington, that women require three days to thoughtfully consider their decisions.
Moreover, the clinic is burdened by nonsensical regulations, such as the requirement to inform women about the potential for suicide as a medical risk linked to abortion.
To combat these challenges, a feminist apparel brand, WildFang, has initiated an Indiegogo campaign aimed at supporting the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood, successfully raising over $85,000 of their initial $50,000 goal. They have since adjusted their target to $750,000 to ensure the clinic’s operation for an entire year. “Every day, South Dakota’s last clinic for abortion services faces threats,” stated WildFang’s CEO, Sarah Jennings. “The medical professionals there encounter hostility regularly, and the state legislature is adamantly opposed to a woman’s right to choose. Alarmingly, 35% of the women using this facility travel over 300 miles to access care.”
It is disheartening that women are not trusted to make these critical decisions independently. How is it possible that nearly 50 years after Roe v. Wade, seven states still operate with only a single abortion clinic?
Senator Maria Collins recalls the dangers of past “back alley” abortions: “I lived through a time when women faced unqualified practitioners and devastating outcomes. We will not regress—never again,” she asserted in a recent article. “Abortion rights are increasingly endangered nationwide, as anti-choice legislators pursue measures that limit access to abortion services. This threat extends beyond abortion; vital services aimed at preventing unplanned pregnancies or supporting families are also at risk. Affordable healthcare, accessible contraception, and programs that assist working women and families are on the line too.”
Decisions regarding women’s health should be made solely between women and their healthcare providers. We have made significant progress, and we cannot regress to times when women risked their lives for autonomy over their own bodies. “When crafting policies concerning women’s health, government officials should place their trust in the women whose lives and futures are at stake. Safety and economic stability—that’s the essence of Roe v. Wade.”
Let’s resolutely prevent a return to the dangerous days of back alley abortions. We can’t afford to go back.
For those interested in learning more about home insemination, you can explore additional resources like our post on intracervical insemination or visit Make a Mom for comprehensive information. For further insights into fertility, refer to this excellent resource at Science Daily.
Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of maintaining a woman’s right to choose regarding abortion, highlighting the risks posed by restrictive legislation in states like South Dakota. It advocates for the autonomy of women in making health decisions and underscores the ongoing threats to abortion rights. The piece encourages engagement with resources related to home insemination and fertility.