Each year, a broad cross-section of U.S. women obtain abortions. The following statistics are provided by Guttmacher Institute: “some 60% of women having abortions were in their 20s; 59% had one or more children; 86% were unmarried; 75% were economically disadvantaged; and 62% reported a religious affiliation” (“State facts about abortion: Indiana,” 2018, para. 1). No racial or ethnic group made up a majority: “some 39% of women obtaining abortions were white, 28% were black, 25% were Hispanic, and 9% were of other racial or ethnic backgrounds” (“State facts about abortion: Florida,” 2018, p. 2).
As of May 1, 2018, there are following laws in Indiana state concerning the abortion procedure: “a woman must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage her from having an abortion, and then wait 18 hours before the procedure is provided” (“State facts about abortion: Florida,” 2018, p. 1). Counseling must be presented in person. Also, it is essential that it takes place prior to the waiting period, and thus two admissions to the facility are needed. It is also stated that private insurance policies can “cover abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape, incest or if the woman’s health is severely compromised unless individuals purchase an optional rider at an additional cost” (“State facts about abortion: Florida,” 2018, p. 1).
Otherwise, if a woman wants to use health plans offered under the Affordable Care Act, she can only apply for it if her life is in danger due to significantly compromised health as well as in cases of rape and incest (“State facts about abortion: Florida,” 2018). Abortion is included “in insurance policies for public employees only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest, or when the woman’s health is severely compromised unless an individual purchases an optional rider at an additional cost” (“State facts about abortion: Florida,” 2018, p. 1). Prior to applying for abortion, a woman should be provided with an opportunity to undergo an ultrasound procedure and to view the image of the result (“State facts about abortion: Indiana,” 2018). There lies an obligation to share these laws with your client since it may affect their decision as to whether or not to proceed with any procedure. These laws are in place to protect the patient and also verify that the patient has given informed consent.
My position on abortion is that a woman has a right to govern her own body. She also has the right to her moral convictions on this issue. The government is already far too intrusive in our lives with laws, regulations, and statutes. We don’t need them also to legislate our moral conscience. It is possible to draw the line at partial birth abortions which would set the maximum gestation to approximately 21 weeks. Beyond that point, a fetus that could live outside the womb is developed, and thus it is a viable life.
The movement of pro-choice has a distinct position on the issue of abortion. A vast majority of the U. S. population consider abortion to be a private process of decision-making between a woman and her doctor (Arthur, 2000). Pro-choice does not mean pro-abortion. We do not advocate abortion over birth – we only “defend the right of women to decide for themselves” (Arthur, 2000, para. 3). The purpose of the pro-choice movement is to prevent unexpected pregnancies, to reduce abortion rates, to promote contraception, to educate women of various ages as well as to provide families with sufficient resources for raising children (Arthur, 2000).
References
Arthur, J. (2000). What pro-choice really means. Web.
State facts about abortion: Florida. (2018). Web.
State facts about abortion: Indiana. (2018). Web.