By Aeriana Smith ’25
Almost half of the U.S. population is pro-life, not pro-choice. Pro-life means that a person is opposed to abortion, pro-choice means a person believes in abortion and a woman’s right to choose. It is dreadful to see that so much of our society thinks women should not get to choose what happens to their bodies. There are multiple reasons why women choose to follow through with abortions. However, so much judgment is clouded with the idea that “women only use abortions as a means for birth control.” The majority of the time, however, that is not the case.
Women have every right to do whatever they wish with their bodies, especially when it affects their health. “No one has the right to control that,” Amnesty International says, “You’re not free when you can’t make decisions about what you do with your own body. You’re not free when you can’t make decisions about what you do with your future.” Our government and society need to change their perspective to a different viewpoint and have more support for pro-choice.
Forcing a person to carry a pregnancy to term against their will is a violation of their anatomy. Just as individuals are not compelled to donate organs or blood even if it could save lives, they should not be coerced into continuing a pregnancy. Ms.Magazine adds, “Abortion bans also violate the 14th Amendment, which requires equal protection of the laws.” Some women are more at risk for pregnancy dangers, leaving abortion as the safer option. Other personal circumstances, such as age, career aspirations, or personal beliefs, can also play a role. Young women, especially teenagers, may feel that they are too young to have a child and raise it successfully. Older women may feel that they are past the age where they want to start or expand a family.
Not everyone in this world has it set money-wise either. Raising a child requires substantial financial resources, including costs for healthcare, education, food, clothing, and any other necessities that come up along the way. Women who are struggling to make ends meet can not always afford to be able to support not only a child but themselves as well. Especially if the woman lacks a strong support system, without community support, it can feel extremely isolating and hopeless with the demands of pregnancy and parenthood.
The stability of a woman’s partner also contributes to her decision-making. Women may seek an abortion due to the instability or reliability of the relationship. The National Library of Medicine adds, “They are often left in a vulnerable position and may have difficulty in deciding between abortion.” If the partner is inconsistent there are worries about having to take on the lead parent role. Or if the partner is abusive it is not safe to be around them or even have a child with them and risk the health of you and your baby.
Last but not least, if the biological father is a rapist, no woman should have to deal with this psychological trauma for her, or the emotional/social stigma, connection to the rapist, impact on the child, physical/financial burden, autonomy of consent, or future aspirations.
The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal and no outside person deserves to have any opinion on that. The reasons a woman has for wanting it need to be respected because women must have the autonomy to make their own decisions on their reproductive health. Denying this right not only conflicts with their control of their bodies, but also perpetuates gender inequality by disproportionately impacting women’s health, economic stability, and life opportunities.
The Raider Press 