One more time, for those in the back: being pro-choice does not equate to being pro-abortion. Pro-choice advocates believe in a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions, which includes the right to terminate a pregnancy. No woman should be compelled to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term.
Recently, we marked the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the pivotal Supreme Court ruling that upheld a woman’s right to choose an abortion as protected under the 14th Amendment. This landmark decision has been crucial in safeguarding women’s health and lives across the nation.
A significant majority of Americans support keeping Roe v. Wade intact, favoring the legality of abortion in all or most circumstances. Personally, I view abortion as one of the most intimate and complicated decisions a woman can face. The government should never dictate what choices a woman makes regarding her own body.
In South Dakota, however, the landscape is starkly different. With a state government that is universally pro-life, women’s choices are severely restricted. The only healthcare facility providing abortion services in the state is the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood.
Women seeking an abortion in South Dakota are required to make two trips to this solitary clinic, regardless of their location. Additionally, there is a mandated waiting period of over 72 hours, the longest in the country. This is based on the belief of state legislators, including Governor Mark Thompson, who argue that women need three days to reflect on their choices and “make informed decisions.”
Moreover, this clinic is subjected to unreasonable requirements, such as informing women that suicide is a potential medical risk associated with abortion.
A Portland-based feminist apparel brand, Wildflower, has stepped up to help protect the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood from potential closure. They recently launched an Indiegogo campaign that has already raised over $85,000 from an initial goal of $50,000. They have since increased their target to $750,000, which would ensure the clinic’s operation for an entire year.
“South Dakota’s only abortion clinic is under constant threat,” stated Wildflower CEO Lisa Hargrave. “Healthcare providers there face daily hostility, and the state legislature is relentless in its attempts to shut down this facility. Approximately 35% of women who utilize this clinic travel over 300 miles to access these services.”
It is disheartening that women are still not allowed to make these profound decisions for themselves. How is it possible that almost 50 years after Roe v. Wade, there are still seven states with only one abortion clinic?
Prominent figures such as Senator Jane Foster recall the grim realities of “back alley” abortions: “I experienced a world filled with unsafe procedures and shattered lives. We will not revert to that — not now, not ever,” she asserted in a recent op-ed.
“Abortion access is under siege nationwide, as anti-choice lawmakers continue to push for restrictions on women’s healthcare options,” she continued. “This threat extends beyond abortion rights; services aimed at preventing unplanned pregnancies and supporting mothers after childbirth are also at risk. Affordable healthcare, accessible contraception, and other programs that assist working women and families are on the chopping block, too.”
Decisions about women’s health should be made solely between women and their healthcare providers. We have made significant strides, and it is unacceptable to revert to a time when women’s lives were jeopardized.
“When establishing policies regarding women’s bodies, government officials must trust the women whose futures are at stake. Safety and economic stability — that’s the essence of what Roe v. Wade represents.”
Let’s not go back to those dangerous days of back alley abortions. Not now, not ever. For those looking to expand their family or explore fertility options, consider checking out our post on fertility supplements here. Also, for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource here. For further insights into this vital issue, see more on this topic here.
Summary
This article emphasizes the importance of maintaining women’s reproductive rights and reflects on the ongoing threats to abortion access, particularly in South Dakota. It highlights the challenges faced by women seeking abortions, the need for personal choice, and the impact of restrictive laws on healthcare services.