Why The Texas Anti-Abortion Bill Should Go
Abortion is one of the most controversial topics of all time. Several countries have banned it on the grounds of ‘murder’, claiming the fetus is a life. And few others advocate prohibiting abortion due to its risky nature.
Things were a little calm surrounding the topic till a new law came into effect in Texas, banning abortion after the fetus develops a heartbeat- which is six weeks after the conception.
Sadly, most women won’t even know they’re pregnant during this time. They would have only missed their period once and have no signs of pregnancy like morning sickness. By the time they realize they’re carrying, the fetus would already have a beating heart.
So, the bill, probably unintentionally, bans abortion.
This bill would have made more sense if the conception of a child was entirely in human hands. It doesn’t even give women the time to find out they’re carrying.
Since not all pregnancies are due to unprotected sex, women who take proper precautions could also end up pregnant. This means they would least expect pregnancy when they miss their period.
In fact, of 74 million unwanted pregnancies, 30% are due to contraceptive failure.
And a bill like that can turn the life of a woman with an unwanted pregnancy upside down.
If a woman is pregnant in her late 30s, the bill can lead to death. Women above 35 years of age are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy, and the bill doesn’t acknowledge the pregnant woman’s age.
It exempts only pregnancies that endanger the mother’s life or cause considerable and irreversible damage, completely ignoring the age-related risk.
For a poor woman, the bill can mean lesser food, no job, and more bills to pay.
In fact, three fourth abortions were done by women from low-income families. In addition to that, women who carried an unwanted pregnancy till delivery saw a 78% increase in their debt.
Also, a young unmarried woman may be forced to quit her job and set apart a good part of her life (maybe even dreams) for the next 18 years.
One study showed that women who denied abortion were three times more likely to be unemployed than those allowed abortion.
But all that doesn’t matter because saving an undeveloped life is more important than securing a woman’s future, even if it scars their life. Right?
A study reported that women who were denied abortion had worse mental health than those who went through it.
Those who were granted abortions had high self-esteem and life satisfaction. Also, another study claims that 95% of women who had abortions feel they made the right decision.
A popular, seemingly practical, solution to banning abortion is adoption.
But people who suggest giving away the baby for adoption forget to consider the excruciating pain that a woman has to go through for a baby she doesn’t want and the risks associated with it.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births. Whereas, there is only 0.6 death per 100,000 successful abortions in the USA.
The same study also points out that the number of deaths due to abortion decreased after its legalization. This implies that that banning abortion doesn’t actually stop it. Illegalizing abortions just keeps them from undergoing abortions in safe spaces with protection and under the right supervision.
Why do we still have debates on this? Isn’t it crystal clear? Let women do what they want to do with their bodies. And since their bodies are the most affected by pregnancies, shouldn’t they have the final say?
Lastly, a baby is a blessing. But for babies to grow into great individuals, they need parents (or a parent) who consider them a gift and not a mistake.
Children born to women who were denied abortions had poor childhood in low-income households. Also, they were less likely to receive love from mothers due to poor maternal bonding.
Additionally, women who go through abortion are more likely to have a planned child later. This is crucial in a country like the USA, where the birth rate is only 1.7. The country needs more emotionally and physically healthy children!
Do we need more reasons to abandon the ban-abortion bill?
