One more time, for clarity: being pro-choice does not equate to being pro-abortion. Pro-choice signifies the belief that abortion is an integral component of women’s reproductive rights and 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 upheld a woman’s right to choose abortion under the 14th Amendment. This decision was a significant milestone that preserved countless lives.
The majority of Americans stand against the reversal of Roe v. Wade and support the legality of abortion in most circumstances. I personally view abortion as an extremely personal and intricate decision a woman faces. It’s crucial that the government does not dictate what a woman can or cannot do with her own body.
In South Dakota, however, where every level of state government is staunchly pro-life, there are attempts to impose such control. The state is down to a single healthcare facility providing abortion services: the Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls.
Women seeking an abortion in South Dakota must make two trips to this lone clinic, regardless of their distance from it. Furthermore, they must schedule their visits at least 72 hours apart—the longest waiting period in the United States—because state legislators believe women need this time to “reflect” and “make good choices,” as stated by Governor Mark Thompson.
The clinic must follow absurd regulations put forth by the state legislature, which includes warning women about potential suicide risks linked to abortion.
A Portland-based feminist clothing brand, Wildflower, has stepped up to help save the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood from closure. They recently launched an Indiegogo campaign, raising over $85,000 of their initial $50,000 goal. They’ve since revised their target to $750,000 to sustain the clinic for a full year.
“South Dakota is left with just one clinic that provides abortion services, and it faces danger every day,” said Wildflower CEO Jenna Hart. “The staff there confronts hostility regularly, the state legislature is resolutely against a woman’s right to choose, and 35% of women utilizing the clinic travel over 300 miles to access care.”
It’s disheartening that women are not allowed to make these decisions autonomously. How is it that nearly 50 years after Roe v. Wade, seven states still have only one abortion clinic?
Some women, like Senator Emily Rogers, reflect on the grim past of “back alley” abortions: “I lived through the era of unsafe procedures and shattered lives. We will not regress—never again,” Rogers stated in a recent opinion piece.
“Abortion rights are increasingly under attack nationwide, as anti-choice lawmakers push restrictive policies limiting women’s access to these essential services,” she emphasized. “And it’s not just about abortion; resources for preventing unplanned pregnancies and providing support for raising children are also jeopardized. Affordable healthcare, accessible contraceptives, and other programs that aid working women and families are at stake too.”
Women’s health decisions should remain private matters between themselves and their healthcare providers. We have made too much progress to revert to a time when women risked their lives.
“When forming policies concerning women’s bodies, government officials ought to trust the women whose lives and futures are at stake. Safety and economic stability—that’s what Roe v. Wade still represents.”
Let’s ensure we do not return to the days of dangerous, illegal abortions. Not now, not ever.
For further reading on women’s health and home insemination, consider checking out this insightful piece on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, for those interested in fertility options, this intracervical insemination syringe kit is an excellent resource. Lastly, for comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit March of Dimes.
In summary, the ongoing struggle for women’s reproductive rights highlights the importance of accessible healthcare and the autonomy of women in making personal health decisions. We must continue advocating for these rights to prevent a return to unsafe practices.
Leave a Reply