Opinion: The dehumanization of American women

Women’s bodily autonomy is at risk and our government is supporting it. Every woman deserves the right to bodily autonomy. I agree with [Jessica] Wickham that community-building, advocacy, and financial support of groups such as Planned Parenthood are essential in preparing for the overturn of Roe v. Wade [tinyurl.com/2aaaug3f].

I believe that amongst all the debate surrounding this controversial topic, we have lost sight of the dignity and worth of a person. To gain some perspective, can you think of any policies that limit male autonomy? Can you think of any policies that require a male to receive spousal consent before undergoing surgery? With both answers being no, why would we put those very same limitations on the women in America?

By overturning Roe v. Wade, we are diminishing the self-worth of every single woman in this country. It is [essential] that we don’t forget the lived experiences each woman endures. We are taking away their dignity to choose what happens to their bodies when we do not have adequate resources to support children and families currently in America.

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, many states are already prepared to propose bills banning abortion and contraceptives in most if not all circumstances. Representative Bryan Slaton, from the state of Texas, is already pushing a bill that will not allow a woman to receive an abortion under any circumstance. The bill also proposes that any woman who does receive an abortion can be punishable up to the death penalty.

This means that a woman who is sexually assaulted and becomes pregnant could be forced to carry her rapist’s fetus to term. Not only is that dehumanizing, but it is also completely detrimental to the healing process from that said trauma.

Your 12-year-old daughter is sexually assaulted by a distant family member and now has to carry that child to term even though she is still a child herself.

A woman who has a still birth or has a miscarriage could be investigated and prosecuted under the penalty of law in states such as Texas and Mississippi.

A woman who has a preexisting heart condition becomes pregnant and is then informed by her physician that carrying a child puts her own health at risk. With the increasing bans on abortion, she might not be able to put her own life before an unborn child. The harsh reality is that many states are beginning to encourage their citizens to report individuals who receive or preform an abortion. Thus, resulting in a lack of access to services.

According to Planned Parenthood, 80% of Americans support abortion and want it to be legally protected, but at least 23 states plan to enact abortion and contraceptive bans once Roe v. Wade is overturned. This is a societal issue; therefore, community-building and advocacy are essential to maintain consistent access to resources. I am proposing a plan that preserves the dignity and worth of an individual in the case that Roe v. Wade is overturned.

This issue affects every woman in America. It is our duty as a country to come together and support one another in times of need. With access to abortion services diminishing quickly, it is important to advocate for states that provide abortion services to anyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, and location. States like these are known as “safe states” and are pushing for legislation that protects the dignity and worth of a woman. This legislature aims to protect those who travel to their state to receive abortion services. It is important to continuously share resources in the community surrounding you.

I believe it is time to think about how our communities will support one another if Roe v. Wade is overturned. How will underprepared mothers get the resources necessary once they give birth? My solution is to develop multiple community-run organizations that can provide new mothers with care packages and resources to support their new child. These organizations would be organized and run by your very own community members to deliver well needed support.

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the worth of a woman will be diminished. Not being able to make choices regarding your own body is very dehumanizing. Women receive abortions for various different reasons, but we should not limit access to services because of personal thoughts and beliefs.

Overturning Roe v. Wade will not get rid of all abortions performed, but it will decrease the access for many women to have a safe abortion. It is more important than ever for us to come together as a community and support one another in this time of need through advocacy and community-building.