Note: The Term "Child-Bearers" & "Child-Bearer" as well as They/Them Pronouns are used throughout this article as reproductive rights are not just for Cis-Women. Reproductive Health Restrictions also affect Non-Binary, Trans, and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals.
Communities and countries around the world have been taking steps to give child-bearers the right to make their own reproductive choices, and there’s no doubt that this has become an important issue in the United States as well. However, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a major step backwards in terms of Child-Bearers rights, and it will have lasting effects on child-bearers throughout the country if something is not done about this soon
Since abortion is an important issue, let’s talk about it
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was horrible. This decision effectively legalizes abortion bans in certain states and threatens pro-choice laws around the country, which is why it’s more important than ever for everyone to be able to make their own choices about their bodies. The Supreme Court ruled that a fetal heartbeat is a life, so it may be time for us to take a hard look at how we approach abortion and abortion rights in America because that's not fair or equal.
Once you start looking into this topic, you realize how many restrictions there are
In many states, women are legally required to have an ultrasound before being allowed to end a pregnancy and in others, women can be denied access to abortion services if their fetus is still viable outside of their bodies—even if it’s due to fetal abnormalities or risks to the child-bearers health and safety. To protect against these dangers and ensure that child-bearers can make decisions about their health care free from unnecessary obstacles and social stigma, it’s vital that we all support pro-choice policies at every level of government.
Reproductive freedom is an essential part of equality
All people should have full autonomy over their bodies, including whether to become a parent. In America, we’ve recognized that all people are entitled to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness under our Constitution; however, child-bearers can't fully exercise these rights if they do not have control over their own reproductive lives. If abortion is outlawed in most cases, how does that protect a child-bearers right to pursue their goals? What about their right to make their own medical decisions? Without access to abortion services or contraceptives, child-bearers cannot decide for themselves when and how often they will become parents—or even if they want children at all! Without these rights, there is no equality; without equality, there is no liberty; without liberty there can be no pursuit of happiness.
What can we do about it?
For those who oppose abortion, there’s little debate about whether such laws are justifiable; however, abortion can also be a personal issue for those who don’t believe in it. Many child-bearers choose to terminate pregnancies because they want better lives for themselves and their families, and they don’t feel that having children is an option—no matter what anybody else says. Supporting efforts to overturn these laws or make new ones less restrictive is an excellent way to help child-bearers make their own choices when it comes to reproductive health care, especially when politicians and lawmakers seem unwilling to listen.
Supporting efforts against anti-abortion laws in your state
In states like Ohio, Mississippi, and Georgia, legislators have passed new laws that will tighten existing abortion restrictions or close clinics outright. Thirteen states, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming, enacted trigger laws that would automatically ban abortion in the first and second trimesters if Roe Vs. Wade was to be overturned. This is terrible news for child-bearers: They’ll face more hurdles when trying to access legal abortion services and will lose access to these critical health care services in some parts of their state. If you live in one of these states, learn more about what you can do to help stop new anti-abortion laws from being put into place and reach out to local reproductive rights organizations for more information on how you can help them ensure safe and legal abortions remain accessible throughout your state. You can also get involved with NARAL Pro-Choice America by donating or contacting your local representative through its website—pro-choice is a stance we should all stand behind!
Supporting abortion funds if your state restricts abortion access
There are many states where a child-bearer may have to travel hundreds of miles to get an abortion and others that restrict public funding for abortion—meaning if you're on Medicaid or without insurance you could be out-of-pocket as much as $2,000 for an abortion. If your state restricts or bans abortion access make sure to connect with local reproductive rights organizations and donate money or time to an organization like NARAL Pro-Choice America (or an equivalent organization in your state) so child-bearers can have access when they need it most.
Finally, supporting Planned Parenthood as they are defunded at every level.
Planned Parenthood provides low-cost reproductive health care to nearly 3 million people in communities across America, each year. Not only do they provide STD testing, cancer screenings, family planning services, and a range of other basic healthcare services (including abortion), but they also advocate for policies that lead to healthier families and stronger communities overall. While our elected officials don’t always agree with everything Planned Parenthood does or advocates for—they’ve pledged time and again to protect child-bearers access to safe, legal abortion.
Resources
People seeking abortion care
https://abortioncarenetwork.org/abortion-care-providers/
https://www.abortionfinder.org/
https://abortionfunds.org/
https://prochoice.org/patients/naf-hotline/
https://www.ineedana.com/
Volunteer Opportunities
CASN
Planned Parenthood
Want to use your pilot’s license to help people overcome stigma and conservative politics to access healthcare? Volunteer With Elevated Access!
Elevated Access is an All Volunteer based 501(c)3 Nonprofit that helps child-bearers get to a safe place for an abortion.
Donate!
Donate to Planned Parenthood
Donate to a 501(c) 3 Nonprofit