Abortion and the Single Mom #1 (SD new Abortion Law)
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20045953-503544.html[This isn't exactly breaking news, but I have been giving it some thought. While I am generally against abortion, I can understand the reasoning of both sides of the issue and because it is a super hot button issue in America I think it is something that should always be up for discussion. (America needs to get back to discourse and not angry arguments but that's another blog for another day)]
South Dakota, has one abortion clinic in the state and a brand new law that will make having an abortion even less accessible. The law requires women to receive "counseling" prior to having an abortion as well as subjection to a three day waiting period. Pro Choice advocates plan to challenge the law and one reason given is the fact that SD only has the one abortion clinic and this will cause and undue hardship on women who have to travel long distances twice in a three day period. To this I respond.... well I guess??? Even if we don't argue the whole sanctity of life issue, we are left with the fact an abortion is a serious medical procedure and it shouldn't be made lightly just in terms of the mother and her health and well being. I have had to have consultations days before having tubes placed in my children's ears. I was given literature and had to sign waivers regarding anestsia and ultimately decide if I wanted to have the procedure performed. So, the argument of time and travel kind of falls flat with me. Now, if I were to play devils advocate, I would say the argument of this law setting a precedent and putting the issue of a woman's right to choose on a slippery slope is a much more valid and persuasive argument.
I do think an abortion is a very serious decision. There are all kinds of implications and consequences. I think women should have all the information possible at their disposal when making the decision, and I don't think a three day waiting period is just crazy unreasonable.... But I do want to know what is South Dakota going to do to make it easier for women to decide to have their babies. Are they going to invest in continued education for teen and single moms? Are they going to strengthen their child support laws? Are they going to offer education to young fathers? Are they going to adjust their adoption laws to make the process more friendly to the frightened mother? How about free family counseling for teens and their families surrouding the consequences of bringing a child into the world? This law rings short sighted to me... like much of the right wing stance on social issues. (yet another blog).
I'm a Social Worker (a liberal leaning profession), an African American single mother (a marginalized yet heavily populated group) and a non denominational Christian who happens to live in America (generally a conservative religion). So, I have some conflicting issues on abortion even within myself. All I can say for now, is this is not the end of this issue on my end. Feel free to share how you feel.
posted by Mama Misha @ 2:26 PM
2 Comments:
My main issue with this law is the "counseling" session. Does the counselor get to decide whether they can or cannot have an abortion? Does the counselor try and talk them out of it? As in, will it be fair and balanced counseling that deals with both sides of the issue and allows women to be fully informed about the procedure,risks, and any consequences. Do they have to go for follow-up counseling if they still decide to go through with it? The question of "counseling" and how it will be defined and executed is what I find most distrubing.
Dayna
I do hear you and I agree. A woman is already in a vulnerable situation and I believe it is unfair to use leading arguments in either direction. True Confession Time: I have been there deciding if I should continue with a pregnancy and I had a woman who was Pro Choice basically tell me that I would be short circuiting my future if I had my child. I also has a "pro lifer" tell me I should give my baby up for adoption cause single parenting would be a tragedy for myself and my child...Well, both women were pushing their agendas rather than providing me with facts and information and allowing me to decide. I think the "counseling" componant is a difficult one to say the least.
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