November 27, 2023
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Today marks 40 weeks and 6 days of my pregnancy journey. Simple tasks like grocery shopping and getting in and out of the car leave me feeling drained. I’m currently overwhelmed with the preparations needed to ensure my home is safe and welcoming for my soon-to-arrive little one.
I’ll be honest: discomfort has been my companion since day one. The first trimester was riddled with fatigue and nausea, while the second brought about achy breasts and a growing belly. Now, as I approach the finish line, I’m grappling with exhaustion, back pain, and the inability to move gracefully. I certainly don’t fit the mold of those who claim to cherish every second of pregnancy. Yet, despite the challenges, the joy of bringing my first child into the world is unparalleled. My husband and I are thrilled to welcome this tiny human we created together.
So, why am I preoccupied with the topic of abortion? Perhaps it’s because I’ve always understood that if complications arose during my pregnancy, I might face the heart-wrenching choice of termination. Unfortunately, there are those who wish to complicate that choice for women like me. These aren’t doctors or scientists, but rather individuals with agendas that lack support from medical professionals. Currently, there are movements to impose federal bans on abortions after 20 weeks, claiming that a fetus can feel pain at that stage—an assertion that lacks consensus among the medical community.
What experts do emphasize is the importance of conducting a fetal anomaly scan between 18 and 20 weeks. If a serious condition is discovered, a woman may only have a short timeframe to make critical decisions regarding her pregnancy. This is especially pressing as funding for essential services like Planned Parenthood is under fire, leading to fewer clinics and reduced access to these necessary scans.
To add to these challenges, recent policy changes have rolled back the requirement for health insurers to cover birth control. Employers can now opt out of this mandate based on their personal beliefs. Furthermore, comprehensive sexual education is often lacking, failing to adequately equip students with the knowledge to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
I want to be clear: my baby is wanted. She was conceived by two loving and consenting adults who are beyond excited to meet her. But I can’t help but wonder—if she had been conceived through violence, or if I were unable to provide for her, would my feelings be different?
My baby appears to be healthy. I’ve had access to excellent prenatal care and numerous ultrasounds have shown no abnormalities. However, I often think about families who might not have the resources to care for a child with a genetic disorder, like Tay-Sachs disease, especially in a climate where affordable healthcare is dwindling. My situation is fortunate; I have great doctors, a reliable hospital, and insurance that covers my needs. However, if my health were at risk, or if my husband were left to parent alone, my perspective would undoubtedly shift.
I understand that this is a polarizing topic, and I respect that many hold differing views. I am passionate about the right for individuals to make choices regarding their bodies and reproductive health. It’s crucial that we engage in constructive dialogue on this matter. Yet, limiting access to education, affordable birth control, prenatal care, and abortion options severely restricts women’s choices. We are educated, hardworking citizens contributing to society and should have the autonomy to make decisions regarding our own bodies.
For those interested in exploring home insemination options, check out this post on the artificial insemination kit. Additionally, for more information on the topic of infertility, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, as a soon-to-be mother, I am profoundly aware of the complexities surrounding pregnancy and abortion. The right to make decisions about our bodies is essential, and we must advocate for accessible healthcare and education to empower women in their choices.