Recently, Donald Trump reached out to anti-abortion advocates, outlining his intentions to appoint justices who oppose abortion, cut funding for Planned Parenthood, prohibit abortions after 20 weeks, and make the Hyde Amendment permanent, which limits Medicaid coverage for abortions for low-income women. Amidst the media buzz about his hair being tousled on a late-night show and his acknowledgment of President Obama’s citizenship, it’s easy to miss the alarming reality of his anti-abortion agenda.
Casting a vote for Donald Trump represents a choice that could significantly worsen women’s lives. As noted by journalist Sarah Mitchell in a recent article, Trump’s proposals would lead to “a court filled with anti-choice justices” that could make abortion and potentially various contraceptive methods illegal. This scenario also envisions a healthcare system that denies reproductive control to poorer Americans and establishes a 20-week cutoff for abortion access, just before many fetal abnormalities are detected.
If this doesn’t sound like a troubling future filled with forced pregnancies and diminished rights for women, consider reading The Handmaid’s Tale. Under Trump’s leadership, the repercussions could last far beyond four years. The potential dismantling of Planned Parenthood could eliminate essential services like breast and cervical cancer screenings, leading to preventable deaths among women. The forced continuation of pregnancies with severe genetic issues could result in tragic outcomes for both mothers and their children. Women facing complications such as preeclampsia or severe miscarriages could find themselves in life-threatening situations without access to necessary medical care.
Voting for Trump, therefore, could equate to voting for increased risks to women’s lives. This isn’t an exaggeration. Under a Trump administration, young women could find themselves facing dire consequences every time they engage in sexual activity. This is not the kind of future I want for my daughter or any woman I know; it is imperative that we resist this path.
Abortion is not a taboo topic. In fact, if you gather a group of friends, chances are a significant number have faced this reality. Most women who seek abortions are already mothers, meaning it’s a part of our shared experiences, even if not openly discussed. While men have no qualms about publicly addressing their health issues, women often face a culture of silence around their reproductive choices. As the HBO series Veep aptly pointed out, “If men got pregnant, you could get an abortion at an ATM.”
This sentiment resonates with me deeply. Like many, I view my abortion as a necessary decision, akin to the minor wrist surgery I underwent as a child — a choice I made for my own well-being. I firmly believe in a woman’s right to choose when to become a mother, and I will actively advocate for the preservation of legal and accessible abortion services, free from any ownership claims from Trump or his administration.
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In summary, the implications of a Trump presidency on women’s rights are profound and alarming. We must remain vigilant in protecting access to reproductive healthcare and ensure that every woman has the agency to make choices about her body and future.