Graphic by Brian Yip ’24 /The Choate News
Since 1965, women have tirelessly advocated for their reproductive rights, starting with their fight for the prescription, sale, and use of contraceptives. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that states do not have the right to legislate abortion before the third trimester; yet, almost 50 years later, women are still faced with regulation of their bodies.
This week, a Supreme Court opinion draft was leaked to the public, showing that the court was ready to repeal the ruling of Roe v. Wade, the landmark case for women’s reproductive rights. If this law is repealed, nearly 26 states are expected to limit or prohibit abortions.
The draft was written by Justice Samuel Alito and four other justices — Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Barrett. Though Alito stated that it does not represent a finalized decision by the court, many believe its unlikely for this ruling to change by the time the final decision is released. This decision opens doors to a terrifying future for women in the United States. The New York Times wrote, “Efforts are already underway to impose a nationwide ban on abortion as soon as Republicans regain the White House and Congress, which could happen as soon as 2025.”
Abortion is a topic that has been long-discussed and debated. Before and after Roe v. Wade, people have never been able to agree on whether or not women should be able to get an abortion. Funny, isn’t it — a nationwide discussion about a woman’s personal decision regarding her own body? Still, this was the reality. This is the reality. Six out of nine of the current Supreme Court justices are male, and these men, who have no knowledge of women’s lives, circumstances, or anything except for what they have experienced as men, are trying to dictate what women can or can’t do with their bodies.
Abortion is not about politics, religion, debate, or controversies. It’s about freedom, civil rights, healthcare, safety, and the well-being of women across the United States. More than a headline in the news, abortion is a reality that many women go through every day. It is healthcare — something everyone has a right to. For example, women who are assaulted are often victims of nonconsensual pregnancies. Without Roe v. Wade, these women would be forced to carry these pregnancies to term, despite it being the outcome of immense trauma. In fact, in some states, rapists are allowed to sue for custody or visitation of the child. But, it would be illegal for a woman to make the choice not to carry this trauma with her for the rest of her life.
Furthermore, pregnancies can cause fatal health hazards for women, which are exacerbated if their child has a birth defect. If abortion is illegal, doctors would have to wait until after a woman gives birth to provide treatment. At that point, it may be too late, and the woman’s health may have deteriorated past the point of a cure. Pregnancies may result in health complications for the mother as well as the fetus. Oftentimes, abortion is a choice women make when pre-screening discovers issues with the pregnancy. Medical abortions are valid, and women deserve the right to choose the best option for them.
Even if there are no health issues involved, women should still have the right to an abortion. If they are not ready to be a mother or are currently in a situation in which they can not adequately support a child, they should be allowed to make that choice for themselves. Abortion is not murder. It is a choice — a woman’s choice. It is not an argument of whether human life begins at conception or birth or if your religion or political party supports or condemns it. It is about real lives, choice, and freedom. Women deserve freedom when it comes to their own bodies. Unfortunately, our country seems to be moving in the wrong direction, and the reality for women is shifting back to the 1950s.
