By Shannon Williams
Currently in America, the bill for anti-abortion is becoming more and more popular within the states and their governors. However, despite the increasing states passing the anti-abortion law, the people of America and other countries aren’t all on the same page.
This piece will help you understand what is going on in America and just why some are getting angry.
In 1973, a bill by Roe VS Wade legalised abortion nationwide until the fetus is able to live outside the mother uterus. This bill is being challenged nationwide with the new Heartbeat bill which means that an abortion would be illegal after the unborn human being has a heartbeat. A heartbeat can be found as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy, which can be before the woman knows she is pregnant.
There are many in the media who describe themselves or others as pro-life, pro-choice or pro-birth but what is the difference? What does it mean to you?
Pro-life:
Can mean different things, the main meaning of Pro-life is being against the unjust taking of a humans life.
To a Pro-life activist this can be being against abortions as well as against children being unfed or homeless.
Most often, in the media at the moment Pro-life is seen as a bad thing since most Pro-life activists are really Pro-Birth and are mistaken.
Pro-Birth:
Is someone who is against abortions despite the health or conditions of the mother or fetus. This goes onto them not caring about the child after the mother has given birth, or the mother despite any issues or complications after the birth.
Pro-birth activists are usually disguised as Pro-Life activists regardless of their ignorance of the child after the birth.
Pro-Choice:
Are people who believe that a woman should have the choice to do what they want with their body including have an abortion or not have an abortion.
Those who are pro-choice emphasise that it is the woman right to terminate an unwanted pregnancy due to whatever reason she feels fit.
The difference between Pro-Birth and Pro-Life:
– Sister Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Catholic nun.
States that have passed the ban to date:
Alabama, May 14th 2019.
Why:
‘Stands as a powerful testament Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God.’
Exceptions:
‘To avoid serious health risk to the unborn child’s mother’
‘If the unborn child has a lethal anomaly’
‘If the woman has an ectopic pregnancy’
Consequences:
‘Doctors who preform the abortion procedure will be treated as felons and face up to 99 years in prison’
Louisiana, May 29th 2019.
Why:
“God values human life, and so do the people of Louisiana,” the state senator, John Milkovich, said this month. “We believe this is an important step in dismantling the attack of the abortion cartel on our next generation.”
Exceptions:
‘Preventing a pregnant woman death’
‘Serious risk of the substantial irreversible impairment of a major bodily function’
Consequences:
‘Doctors who preform the abortion procedure after a heartbeat is detected in the prior ultrasound face a $1,000 fine or up to 2 years in prison’
Mississippi, May 29th 2019.
Why:
“God values human life, and so do the people of Louisiana,” the state senator, John Milkovich, said this month. “We believe this is an important step in dismantling the attack of the abortion cartel on our next generation.”
Exceptions:
‘Preventing a pregnant woman death’
‘Serious risk of the substantial irreversible impairment of a major bodily function’
Consequences:
Doctors who preform the abortion procedure after a heartbeat is detected in the prior ultrasound face a $1,000 fine or up to 2 years in prison.
Ohio, July 10th, 2019.
Why:
“In the last 46 years, the practice of medicine has changed. Science has changed. Even the point of viability has changed. Only the law has lagged behind. This law provides a stable, objective standard to guide the courts.”
Exceptions:
‘Failure to obtain informed consent’
‘Taking life of fetus born alive or failing to provide reasonable medical attention to same’
‘After viability, purposeful termination of a human pregnancy by any person, including the mother herself, with the intention other than to produce a live birth or remove a dead fetus’
Consequences:
Physicians who preform abortions after a fatal heartbeat is detectable could either receive a $20,000 fine from the State Medical Board of Ohio, consequently revocation or suspension of their medical license.
Fifth degree felony charges, punishable by 6 to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Georgia, January 1st, 2020.
Why:
“To ensure that all Georgians have the opportunity to live, grow, learn and prosper in our great state”
Exceptions:
‘In cases of rape and incest if the woman files a police report first’
‘In order to save the life of the mother’
‘When a fetus is determined not to be viable because of serious medical issues’
Consequences:
Unknown at the moment.
States considering the anti-abortion bills:
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Florida
- Texas
Other Countries that have anti-abortion Laws
Ireland
Currently have a near-total abortion ban, which is called the ‘Protection of life during pregnancy act 2013’ This act means that a female can only have an abortion if their life is at ‘real or substantial’ risk. This act means that health care provides like nurses or doctors are stopped from giving out full information on abortions incase they are later accused of promoting or advocating them.
The consequences in Ireland for having an abortion are 14 years in prison and a €4,000 fine.
This sort of abortion ban impacts many females who don’t want a child for any reason, making them flee abroad for abortions. It is estimated around 4,000 females between the ages of 18-36 go aboard every year to have terminations.
Chile
In Chile, there is a total ban on abortions, meaning that even if the pregnant woman’s life is in danger or their health at risk there will be no termination. This is the same even when the foetus is not viable, the female is underage or if the female’s pregnancy is caused by rape or incest.
Like in Ireland, those who can afford to leave Chile to receive abortions go abroad. Those who cannot afford that resort to clandestine abortions that have a risk of putting their lives at risk not just the fetus. In the cases where the unsafe abortions leave complications the females who seek treatment after can be reported to the authorities and receive 2 to 5 years in prison.
Although, the president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, is pushing for an abortion reform which is supported by 70% of the population of Chile.
The peoples opinions
This is still an ongoing issue despite the media having brushed over it in favour of the next big thing. The anti-abortion laws are still being made and more states are making it illegal with little or no exceptions.
