February 21st, 2018
Written by - Sophia Colford '22
Abortion has never and will never be an easy subject to write and share opinions about. There seems to be a divide in our country, with neither side open to the other’s opinions. There are two very different stances to take here. Pro-choice versus pro-life. Whether involved in politics or not, almost everyone seems to have an opinion about abortions.
Up until 1973, women in America were forced to undergo illegal abortions that were extremely dangerous for their health and safety. In 1973, the debate was brought before the Supreme Court, which then decided the Roe v. Wade law. This law states that medical professionals have to regulate abortions and that abortions may be rejected in the second or third trimester, unless there is damage and/or health concerns for the life of the mother or fetus.
This legal decision has been sustained throughout all these years, but there is some concern now about Roe v. Wade being overturned by the Supreme Court. President Trump has repeatedly stated he does not believe in abortion and is completely pro life. But why? What is so wrong about women having the right to control their bodies? Even now, our new Ohio governor, Mike DeWine, is pledging to sign into law the new Heartbeat Bill (which former governor Kasich vetoed a month before leaving office). This law would make abortions illegal once a heartbeat is able to be detected in a fetus. This heartbeat can be heard as soon as six weeks into the pregnancy. This may be the most restrictive law for women's reproductive rights since abortion was legalized.
Being pro-choice means supporting women who do choose to get abortions. Supporting these women does not mean the supporter will get an abortion or even condones abortion, but they respect the right for a woman to choose what happens in her own body. The choice to have an abortion or not have an abortion should be respected. Having the option to have an abortion does not mean everyone will choose to get one. The reasons to have an abortion can regard women's safety and well-being. Furthermore, an unplanned pregnancy can affect both parents’ futures. Some women (and men too) are just not ready to have children. If a person is against abortions, then they don't have to have one. It is a simple solution. But if they are against them, they should not impose their beliefs onto people who may really need to get an abortion for their safety. Many pro-choice advocates point out the contradiction of pro-lifers. While pro-lifers focus on preventing an abortion, once the child is born, they do not provide resources needed for the child's care. Budgets are cut for money assistance and education, leaving families with children starving and in poverty.
Pro choice means everyone decides for themselves. Nobody chooses for anyone else. Being able to choose how your life goes is a fundamental right and this choice includes the question of having an abortion or not. Now, I am not saying women should be using abortions as a convenient contraceptive, but it should be an option for those who will not be able to raise a child and give that child the life it deserves. A woman with an unplanned pregnancy should not be told it's suddenly time for her to become a mother even if she’s not ready.
The bottom line is that women should have reproductive freedom, which is fundamental to personal freedom. As Margaret Sanger once said, “No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body.”
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