Abortion is never an easy subject to discuss. According to an article by the Center for Disease Control, “in 2019, the abortion rate was 11.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years” (Center for Disease Control). Every individual experiences different aftermaths; for some, abortion can be a traumatic experience, and for others the experience is reliving and empowering. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Roe v Wade which legalized abortion in the United States. Now, in 2022, reproductive rights and the right to choose is at risk.
In an interview done by the British Broadcasting Company, one woman named Beth says “ I was 17 when I got pregnant and I had an abortion in February. I am pregnant again now and this time I’m going to keep it and I’m excited about it” (BBC, 2017). For many pregnant individuals, the time is not right and they decide to wait to have kids or choose not to have any at all. Some people who are against abortion may think abortion is not healthcare, however, before abortion was legalized and used safely, there were 1 in 6 pregnancy-related deaths.
The choice of abortion is not easy. It can take a long time to decide if that is the right route for the individual. Another woman named Bronwen said “it was a horrible situation but after the procedure it was a huge sense of relief” (BBC, 2017). More times than not abortion is a swift experience that allows pregnant people to be able to choose what is best for them and their own bodies. In today’s society, government officials are trying to overturn Roe v Wade. This is extremely detrimental towards pregnant individuals and can have dangerous after effects. For example, in Texas, the abortion ban starts after six weeks, however, many people may not even be aware of their pregnancy until after the six-week mark. This can be harmful to their physical and mental health. Pregnant individuals may feel trapped.
Abortion can be beneficial to many. It can provide a sense of relief for those who believe it is not the right time to have children or who choose not to have children. When abortion is allowed, it is one of the safest medical treatments available. By the age of 45, nearly one out of every four women in the United States will have had an abortion. Abortion can be hard for some individuals which makes aftercare important. There are many valid resources that can help pregnant people cope with the experience which will be linked below. Remember all experiences are valid and you are not alone!
