Texas Abortion Ban
In this opinion article, the controversial Texas SB8 law gets discussed, including the process behind it and the harmful effects of the abortion ban on women.
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Texas Abortion Ban
Texas Abortion Ban
By Pooja Patel
By Pooja Patel
Photo Credits Stephen Spillman
A few months ago, the state of Texas passed a new abortion law which, according to the Texas Tribune, “bans abortions at about six weeks from the patient’s last menstrual period.” This law relies on the actions of private citizens to enforce the law, rather than the government. This means that abortion patients themselves cannot be sued under the new law, but anyone who performs or aids with the abortion can be sued by anyone. “Not only are private individuals allowed to enforce the law by suing others, but the state is prevented from enforcing or attempting to enforce the law. “ The state awards a $10,000 'bounty' for successful lawsuits. The Texas Tribune adds that Critics of this law said that this section encourages plaintiffs to sue. This abortion law is known as SB8 and, in other words, it gives any person the right to sue doctors who perform an abortion past six weeks - which is before most women know they are pregnant. This law makes an exception for a documented medical emergency, but not for cases of rape or incest.
This law goes against the 1973’s Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case, which was a drastic deal for all women across the United States. According to the BBC, this case gave US women the “right to abortions until a fetus is able to survive outside the womb-usually between 22 and 24 weeks into pregnancy.” Texas’ justices on the court overruled the landmark Roe decision and a case that affirmed the constitutional right to an abortion. The Texas court simply took a constitutional right of abortion from women and they have to live with this. How is it that a male-dominant system is making decisions for a woman's body? Women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their own lives in ways that are protected by the constitution.
Photo Credits Stefani Reynolds
According to Politico, “Anti-abortion groups in the state such as ‘Texas Rights to Life’ have, in recent weeks, set up tip lines for people to anonymously report violations ahead of the law’s implementation.” They can report and sue anyone, from doctors to anyone who offers a pregnant person rides to an abortion clinic. That is how extreme and irrational this law has become in Texas for women.
As students, we constantly learn about health education and safe sex education, but it is equally important to learn about abortions and to be properly informed about this topic that has been made controversial in our society today. One of many comments said to women who have or did consider abortion is to “just use contraceptives”. Contraceptives are not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. They can occasionally fail and it should be noted that they are not easily accessible or affordable for everyone. Women are also told, “You should've got an abortion earlier.” However, all women's bodies function differently. It is almost impossible for a female to know in six weeks if she is pregnant or not. The SB8 law makes it almost impossible for women to get an abortion within a reasonable time frame. Taking away a safe method for abortion will only put women at more risk for health injuries and issues. Childbirth is something that should never be forced upon someone. There are enough children who are neglected and without a family in this world, taking away abortion from women for any reason will only bring a child into this world with no proper structure or care and further hurt not only the mother but the child emotionally and mentally. Abortion is a process that should be made safe and legal for all women because, in the end, it is their body and their choice; not mine, not yours, and not the men sitting in their offices making decisions on women’s bodies.
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