Abortion is healthcare!
- helenabrown26
- May 24, 2024
- 4 min read
The ongoing debate surrounding abortion laws in the United Kingdom has intensified in recent months, there have been significant debates and proposed changes regarding abortion laws. Some MPs have introduced an amendment to the criminal justice bill to reduce the legal time limit for most abortions from 24 to 22 weeks, arguing that advancements in medical technology now allow for the survival of premature babies born as early as 22 weeks (CARE, 2024). This blog will delve into the importance of protecting abortion laws in the UK, looking at the United States as an example. Additionally, it will highlight the crucial role of sex education in preventing unintended pregnancies and sexual health. this discussion is intrinsically linked to the module of 'race sex and gender' as it explores how reproductive rights intersect with issues of gender equality, bodily autonomy,
and social justice.
Some MPs have pushed for the decriminalization of abortion, which would remove criminal penalties for women seeking to terminate their pregnancies at any gestation. This proposal, supported by numerous medical and advocacy organisations, aims to ensure that women are not criminalized for accessing abortion care. This would not change the legal time limits or conditions under which abortions can be performed by healthcare professionals (Morris, 2024).
Looking at the potential impact of banning abortion in the UK can be informed by looking at recent developments in the United States, particularly following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. In states where abortion has been heavily restricted or banned, there has been a concern about a rise in unsafe abortions. Banning abortion does not stop the need for abortion, it means some women must find alternative ways, which won’t be as safe, increasing health risks. The Turnaway study, conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, found that women denied abortions experience higher levels of anxiety and lower life satisfaction compared to those who received abortions (CARE, 2024).
Although these bans often include exceptions for medical emergencies, in practice, the vague and restrictive language used in the legislation makes it difficult for doctors to provide necessary care without fearing legal repercussions. Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB 8) bans most abortions after about six weeks but includes exceptions for medical emergencies. However, the law's wording has been criticized for being vague, causing doctors to delay or deny care out of fear of litigation. Reports indicate that women experiencing complications have been unable to receive timely medical interventions, leading to worsened health outcomes (Morris, 2024). Similar issues have arisen in Idaho, where abortion bans include exceptions for the life of the mother but are so ambiguously defined that physicians are unsure when they can legally intervene. This ambiguity has resulted in situations where doctors hesitate to provide care until a patient’s condition deteriorates to a critical point (Morris, 2024). The ambiguity and complexity of legal language can create significant legal risks for doctors and medical professionals, one source states, ‘The conversations she has [Dr. Stephanie Mischell] with pregnant patients have less to do with their values and health and more to do with navigating a labyrinth of legal requirements.' (Simmons-Duffin, 2022).
In states with restrictive abortion laws, access to accurate sexual health information and contraception becomes even more crucial. When legal abortion is not an option, preventing unintended pregnancies through education and access to contraceptives is one of the few remaining avenues to maintain reproductive health and autonomy. Policymakers need to invest in and support comprehensive sex education programs. These programs should be scientifically accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive, providing young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make healthy decisions. This is not only applicable to the US; sexual health education should also be made a high priority in schools across the UK and encourage young people to be more open with their questions and thoughts. This would not only help prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but also encourage openness, informed decision-making, and respect in relationships.
This issue is not far out of reach, the pro-life society at the University of Manchester has sparked significant controversy and debate on campus. The society, approved by the student union, aims to promote the dignity and well-being of every human life through contraception. Its presence has been met with strong opposition from many students who are concerned about this being a newly made society that could cause harm to those who may need access to abortion services. In response to the society’s approval, a petition calling for its dissolution has gained over 15,00 signatures. Opponents argue that the society could create a hostile environment for students who support reproductive rights or might seek abortions (Read, 2024) the students union has defended its decision to approve the society, citing legal obligations under the Education Act of 1994, which require universities to protect lawful freedom of speech and association. The Union has also emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue and has taken steps to ensure protests remain peaceful and that all students feel safe (Murphy, 2024). The controversy surrounding the Pro-life society at the University of Manchester underscored the broader and critical discussion about women’s healthcare, banning abortion would mean denying women the autonomy to make decisions about their reproductive health.
References
Morris, S. Bulbul, N. Omar, A. Balwin, s. Mata, W. (2024) ‘what are the UK’s abortion laws? MP’s propose decriminalizing abortion up to 24 weeks’ The standard.
CARE (2024) ‘MPs devate positive and negative changes to abortion law in England and Wales’.
Simmons-duffin. S (2022) 'for doctors, abortion restrictions create an ‘impossible choice’ when providing care” NPR.
Read, R (2024) ‘students union release statement in response to “pro-life society” petition’ the Mancunian.
Murphy. R (2024) ‘new pro-life society approved by the University of Manchester students union’ the Manchester tab.
Learning resources
Schoen, J. (2015) abortion after Roe. The University of North Carolina Press
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