Abortion has been a controversial issue for many decades, with both sides of the argument often feeling very strongly about it. Nevertheless, regardless of the stance one takes on it, most people agree on prioritizing safety of the procedure if it must happen. It can be difficult to ensure safety for the individual undergoing the procedure in some circumstances, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic might be one of such negative factors. Two articles are considered in this essay, with “Abortion during the Covid-19 Pandemic – Ensuring access to an essential health service” discussing the cases in the US. The second article, “Abortion regulation in Europe in the era of COVID-19: a spectrum of policy responses” focuses on Europe, as evident from the title. The two articles will be referred to as article 1 and article 2, respectively. There are similarities in the messages of the two papers but differences in the contents and depth of research.
The two articles have both similar and differing features, apart from the obvious locality question. Article 1 emphasizes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ position, condemning responses to the pandemic that hinder abortion procedures (Bayefsky, Bartz, & Watson, 2020). It highlights the differences in both attitudes towards abortion and policies between states, resulting in vulnerability of such care. It calls for the strengthening of abortion care in the United States, the need for which has become evident due to the pandemic. Article 2 similarly emphasizes the disadvantages of not having a unified abortion policy, which leads to inconsistent care throughout the European states (Moreau, Shankar, Glasier, Cameron & Gemzell-Danielsson, 2021). It provides examples of countries that have either suspended, banned abortions, or have established other limitations on abortions during the period of the pandemic. It also mentions possible solutions, such as telemedicine, that are aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of care (Moreau, Shankar, Glasier, Cameron & Gemzell-Danielsson, 2021). The two articles are similar in their message of the increased need for improved abortion care.
Furthermore, both articles place great importance in the issue in the context of the pandemic. They emphasize the need for action to be taken to ensure safety of women that have suffered an unwanted pregnancy. However, article 1 is an opinion piece that is aimed at convincing its readers of the importance of safe and legal abortions, and improved care. Article 2 provides more concrete data and analysis.
References
Bayefsky, M. J., Bartz, D. & Watson, K. L. (2020). Abortion during the Covid-19 Pandemic – Ensuring access to an essential health service. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(19), 1-3.
Moreau, C., Shankar, M., Glasier, A., Cameron, S. & Gemzell-Danielsson, K. (2021). Abortion regulation in Europe in the era of COVID-19: a spectrum of policy responses. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, 47(4), 1-8.