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Timeline of Abortion in the United States:
Timeline of Abortion in the United States:
Before Roe Vs. Wade was enacted:
In 1910, abortion was completely illegal in every state. 18% of maternal deaths in 1930 were due to underground abortions being done. Due to the alarming numbers of women dying Planned Parenthood held a conference to spread awareness of this topic. The doctors that attended agreed that a change needed to happen. Making abortion illegal doesn't stop abortions from happening but only making it more unsafe. In 1964 abortions that were medically necessary were legal. This was a good start but people wanted to keep pushing for reproductive rights. The first 4 states to repeal their abortion bans were Hawaii, Alaska, New York and Washington. 13 other states decided to allow abortion for things like if the fetus was putting the mother in physical or mental harm. Rape and fetal abnormalities were also allowed in these states.
There was still some issues people wanted to change. At first, abortion wasn't covered by Medicaid meaning women would have to pay out of pocket for the procedure. This was a hardship for low income women, most women that were on medicaid also were women of color due to systemic racism. This was another way of the Government controlling Women of colors bodies, even though abortion was legal this was more of a privilege to white women who had the resources to get this procedure done.
On January 22nd, 1973 Roe Vs. Wade was passed by the Supreme Court. This was a huge gain for the United States because women didn't have abortion as an option until almost 50 years ago. The law implemented was intended to protect women's reproductive rights in the United States however some current State Laws interfere with Roe V. Wade making it almost impossible for women to obtain an abortion. Many of these laws are considered unconstitutional since they contradict the 14th Amendment.
Since Roe Vs Wade was enacted, abortion has been protected under the 14th Amendment. Women were allowed to obtain an abortion in all 50 states. Just recently, women have been experiencing restrictive state laws that have been interfering with their reproductive rights. These new laws being passed make it harder for women to receive care. Women's voices aren't being heard by States that are passing these laws, 95% of the people making these decisions and laws for women are men.
Texas Heartbeat bill: TX SB8
The new Heartbeat bill in Texas was activated on September 1st, 2021. This bill states that once a fetal heartbeat is detected (around 6 weeks) you can not obtain an abortion. If someone realizes they are pregnant and wants an abortion before the 6 week mark, there is still obstacles to face. Texas has required an appointment before you get the procedure to do a sonogram showing the baby inside the womb. At this appointment they also give information on the stage of the fetus and how much pain it will cause the fetus. They also explain other options such as adoption, this appointment is implemented in hopes to change the persons mind of attempting to get an abortion. There has even been false information given out by Doctors in order to change that persons mind. After the sonogram appointment there is a 24 hour waiting period which is intended to leave the women with even less time, this is also in hopes the women will change her mind.
Most women do not find out that they are pregnant until around 5-6 weeks and sometimes even later. Women menstruate on the last week of their cycle, meaning a woman could not possibly know she is pregnant until she is left with 1-2 weeks before she has to decide to get an abortion in the State of Texas. Many other states have laws similar or have plans to restrict abortion like Texas. Some of these States are Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida.
Dobb's VS. Jacksons Women's Health Organization
On December 21st, 2021 the Supreme Court heard the case of Dobb's vs. Jacksons Women's Health Organization. This case is about a ban on abortion at 15 weeks in Mississippi. The state also asked to allow a pre viability abortion ban. Pre viability means the time before the fetus can survive on its own outside the womb. They asked for this because constitutionally Roe V Wade is supposed to be protected until 24 weeks but they want to ban abortion well before 24 weeks which is unconstitutional. Mississippi also asked to overrule Roe vs. Wade completely in the United States. The Supreme Court (a mostly pro life jury) will give their decision on this case in June 2022. If they deicide to overrule Roe or change any protections on this law then it could be left to each State to decide if abortion is legal or not. The Guttmacher Institue has made an interactive map showing all states that would make abortion illegal if given the opportunity. In total, 26 states would ban abortion entirely.
Oklahomas new Abortion bill: SB612
Kevin Sitt, Governor of Oklahoma signed a new bill into place which bans abortion and makes it a felony to obtain an abortion. Anyone to preforms an abortion in the state of Oklahoma can be punished with up to 10 years in prison, in addition to a 100,000 dollar fine. The only exception for abortion is if the mothers life in endangered. This law is even more strict than the Texas heartbeat law. This Law may take effect in August 2022, once the State Legislative ends.
Video of a Texas woman that had to travel to Mississippi to receive an abortion and speaks out on the hardships women in the State face.
What are the effects of women being refused an abortion?
Mental health problems
Poverty
Harder to leave abusive relationships
Physical health Problems
Higher numbers of maternal death due to underground abortions
What are other Countries like?
Most countries in South America have very strict abortion laws. Abortion is allowed to save a women's life or to preserve health. South America has consistently stayed within the red and yellow range.
About half of the countries in Africa are allow abortion only to preserve health. Africa also has about 5 countries where abortion is prohibited all together.
Some countries that have abortion legalized: Russia, Canada, China, Mongolia, Australia and the United States.
Center for Reproductives rights also has an interactive Map
Center for Reproductive Rights Map of abortion laws over the world.
As of 2022, States Governors are becoming more eager to make their State completely Pro-Life by taking away a Women's right to her own body. These new bills being passed are unconstitutional to the 14th Amendment and we need to put an end to this now. Women's reproductive rights are being taken away to leave them with no choice but to bring a child into this world. To help end this epidemic women are facing, donating and joining protests are a great start.
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