I remember feeling my palms begin to sweat as my stomach shriveled. I sat in disbelief as I read the cover page of my local newspaper. A pregnant 11-year-old rape victim in Ohio would be unable to receive an abortion under state law.
In April 2019, a new Ohio state law prevented women from obtaining an abortion once a fetus’ heartbeat is detected. And although the law still remains, for this case, the court decided an abortion would be granted.
But I continue to wonder: What about all the women who would not be granted the same right?
In 1973, after a century of prohibition, a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion became legal under the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade. This decision granted women across the country the right to their bodies, their health and their choices.
But with raising support to overturn this ruling, many anti-abortion politicians have advocated for state bans and restrictions. Regulations on insurance providers, limitations on trimester allowance and targeted provider deterrents have been set in place to suppress the right of abortion.
Lawmakers across the nation have voiced their opinions about what they believe women should and should not do with their bodies for centuries. But why should they decide?
Why should a justice system of primarily men be voting on a matter that dictates a woman’s health, personal right and body?
Regulations, limitations and restrictions won’t fix the agenda of these politicians. Abortions will still happen. Women will still choose their own fate. Women will decide for themselves.
But when state laws alter women’s ability to do so, state laws will be forcing women to choose unsafe, horrifying options.
So, give women their right to make their own medical decisions. Allow women to receive safe access to medical care. Grant women the right to choose abortion.
Because if women had the right to choose, an 11-year-old rape victim would not have to go to court to convince a judge to allow her to terminate her unwanted pregnancy.
Although I read that gut-wrenching article almost two years ago, it continues to linger in my mind. I think back to when I would run through my backyard as an 11-year-old. I think about how big the world felt back then. And I think about how awfully terrified I would be if she were me.
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