Abortion is essential healthcare

Abortion is essential health care, and that is how we should talk about it—as a public health issue. An abortion is a common, necessary health procedure and we need to remind people of that. Criminalizing abortion does not stop abortions from happening. It just makes abortion less safe. People will still find a way to get an abortion—it’s just a question of whether or not they can receive a safe abortion. Lives are on the line and medical professionals should be able to do their jobs and provide everyone with essential healthcare. That’s why we need to continue to fight for and support reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and a person’s right to choose.

The global need for safe abortions

6 out of 10 unintended pregnancies end in an induced abortion. Around 45% of all abortions are unsafe abortions. Globally, unsafe abortions are still a leading—but preventable—cause of maternal deaths. (Source: WHO)

Now, States in the U.S. are banning essential healthcare. As a nation, we risk an increase in unsafe abortions and a rise in maternal deaths. In the U.S., people are going to prison for getting abortions—for receiving a personal health procedure.

Public opinion in the u.s.

Today, around 63% of U.S. adults believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. So, are politicians representing the people’s opinion on abortion? Not at all.

If we continue to allow States to take away people’s reproductive freedom, what’s to say the entire United States won’t be impacted and more rights taken away? First abortion and next restricted access to birth control? It can be a domino effect. We must make noise, be loud, and keep fighting.