An Introduction to the Importance of Reproductive Rights
Abortion is a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy. Abortions can be achieved through a D and C procedure (Dilation and Curettage), in which the pregnancy tissue is evacuated through the cervix, or by taking a pill. When done correctly by a licensed professional, abortion is a safe, harmless procedure.
A woman can choose to have an abortion for a number of reasons. Some women have an abortion because carrying a baby would be dangerous for either her own health or that of the baby. This is called a TFMR (Termination of Pregnancy For Medical Reasons). Some women have abortions because they cannot financially support a child. Some women have abortions because their pregnancies were the result of being sexually assaulted, and to have to carry that baby to term would be even more traumatizing. Some women have abortions simply because they do not want to have a child at that time. Whatever the reason may be, the choice to end a pregnancy is a private, difficult decision to have to make.
While abortion is a complicated topic, the legality of abortions should not be. Access to safe abortions is imperative in the fight for women’s autonomy over their own bodies and health. For TFMR cases, access to safe abortions could be the deciding factor of whether a woman lives or dies. In 2012 in Dublin, Ireland, Savita Halappanavar died at age 31 from sepsis. She was 18 weeks pregnant, although doctors were sure that her pregnancy would result in misscarriage due to a breaking down of protective membranes in her uterus. Knowing her baby was going to die either way, Savita asked for an abortion. She was turned down, however, because abortions were not legal at the time in Ireland unless there was a clear risk to the mother’s health. Unfortunately, by the time Savita’s health was clearly at risk, it was too late. Savita Halappanavar’s already tragic story was made even more tragic by the fact that she did not have to die. Had she been able to access the health care (yes, abortion is a form of health care) that she needed, her life could have been saved.
When safe and legal abortions are not an option, women can feel so helpless that they try to terminate the pregnancy themselves. In fact, statistics show that 45 percent of abortions that take place are under ‘unsafe’ circumstances such as with an unlicensed professional, or using unclean materials. Unsafe abortions can lead to infections and even death. Other times, women can feel so distraught over being pregnant that they end their own lives. In El Salvador, where abortion is illegal, three eighths of maternal deaths are suicides. With liberal abortion laws, women would be protected, never having to resort to such dangerous ‘alternative solutions’.
Whether it be for a serious medical reason, or simply because you don’t want to have a child, every woman deserves the right to choose if she has a baby. A woman’s right to safe and legal abortions is also a woman’s right to privacy, self-determination, and health care. Without these fundamental rights, how will we ever be truly equal?
About the Author
Francesca Ricciarini is 17 years old and lives in Bronxville, NY. She is half American and half Italian. Francesca loves to write, play guitar and sing.