In recent discussions surrounding reproductive rights, it is vital to clarify a common misconception: being pro-choice does not equate to being pro-abortion. Pro-choice advocates assert that abortion is an essential component of women’s reproductive autonomy, emphasizing that no woman should be compelled to carry a pregnancy to term against her will.
Last week marked the 45th anniversary of the pivotal Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade, a 7-2 decision that recognized a woman’s constitutional right to choose an abortion under the 14th Amendment. This landmark ruling has played a crucial role in safeguarding women’s lives.
A significant majority of Americans support the preservation of Roe v. Wade, advocating for legal abortion in most or all circumstances. Personally, I view abortion as one of the most intimate and complicated choices a woman can face, and I firmly believe that governmental entities should never dictate the choices a woman can make regarding her body.
In South Dakota, however, the situation is dire. The state government, which is overwhelmingly pro-life, has imposed restrictive measures that hinder access to abortion services. Currently, the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood clinic stands as the sole provider of abortion services in the state.
Women seeking an abortion in South Dakota are required to make two visits to this clinic, regardless of their distance from it, with a mandated waiting period of over 72 hours between visits—the longest in the nation. This waiting period is justified by state officials who argue that women need time to contemplate their decisions, as stated by Governor Mark Smith.
Moreover, the clinic is subjected to nonsensical regulations, including the requirement to inform women that suicide is a potential risk associated with abortion procedures.
To combat the threat of this clinic’s closure, a Portland-based feminist apparel company, Wildfang, has initiated an Indiegogo campaign aimed at supporting Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood. They successfully raised over $85,000 toward their initial goal of $50,000 and have since increased their target to $750,000—an amount that would sustain the clinic for an entire year.
“South Dakota’s only abortion clinic faces daily threats to its existence,” remarked Wildfang CEO, Sarah Thompson. “The healthcare professionals there endure hostility regularly, and the state legislature continuously attempts to undermine a woman’s right to choose. Remarkably, 35% of women who use this clinic travel over 300 miles to access care.”
It is disheartening that women are not entrusted to make these significant decisions independently. How is it that nearly five decades after Roe v. Wade, some states have only a single clinic available for abortions?
Senator Laura Green has reflected on the grim realities of pre-Roe v. Wade life: “I remember a world filled with unsafe procedures and shattered lives. We will not regress to that, not now, not ever.” In a recent op-ed, she highlighted the ongoing threats to abortion rights across the nation, as anti-choice legislators advocate for policies that limit access to abortion services. “This struggle extends beyond abortion rights; it encompasses vital services for preventing unplanned pregnancies and supporting families after childbirth. Access to affordable healthcare and contraceptives is also at risk,” she emphasized.
Women’s health decisions should remain solely between a woman and her healthcare provider. We have made significant progress, and it is imperative that we do not revert to an era where women’s lives are placed in jeopardy.
“When establishing policies concerning women’s bodies, government officials ought to trust the women whose futures are at stake. The essence of Roe v. Wade revolves around safety and economic stability.”
Let us not regress to the dangerous days of unsafe abortions. Never again.
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Summary
The article discusses the significance of Roe v. Wade and the ongoing threat to women’s reproductive rights, particularly in South Dakota, where restrictive laws limit access to abortion. It highlights the efforts of organizations to support the last remaining clinic and emphasizes the need for women to have autonomy over their health decisions.