Clarification on Abortion and Its Impact on Women’s Rights
Dear Santiago,
After the discussion you had with Sofia at Aunt Teresa’s birthday dinner, I could tell that you are confused about the issue of abortion and the devastating consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on women’s reproductive rights and healthcare access. I hope that what I have to say will help you to gain a better understanding of the complexities surrounding this issue.
The first thing you need to know is that last summer, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade. You may ask, what is Roe v. Wade? Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in 1973 that recognized the right to an abortion as a constitutional right. The consequences of this decision for women’s health have yet to be seen, leaving many girls and women without the right to reproductive care.
This situation represents a considerable tragedy. It is a violation of women’s rights. It is a form of oppression and discrimination against women, a restriction of our autonomy over our sexuality, our bodies, and our reproductive health. While you may think this doesn’t directly concern you as a man or a Dominican, it affects not only American women but our women as well.
Understanding how this impacts us is essential. All women in the country are deeply affected by the Supreme Court’s decision as it limits access to safe and legal abortion, potentially resulting in health risks and emotional distress. Consider the case of Mrs. Antonia, who lives with her husband and four children in a small apartment in the Bronx. She has raised these children on the meager salaries of herself and her husband and with the help of the government. Now she is pregnant with a fifth child, a child she and her husband cannot afford to raise. Her pregnancy is an agonizing decision for her to make for the well-being of her family, but now she’s faced with legal barriers because of the overturn of Roe v. Wade and raising five children with even more financial constraints.
The impact extends to the family. It affects the dynamics and the well-being of the family. As migrants, our families already face multiple challenges, and this can add a layer of complexity. This restriction on access to safe abortion can lead to economic hardship for families. This is especially true for migrant families who often have limited incomes.
Santiago, it may seem like an exaggeration, but the loss of control over their bodies is a terrifying reality for women in America. It sends a distressing message that women’s rights to decide about their bodies are under threat, potentially leading to feelings of powerlessness and inequality.
With restrictions on abortion, some women, including Dominicans, may resort to unsafe methods or travel long distances to access abortion services. This can lead to serious health consequences and even loss of life. Our own country is an example of this. In the Dominican Republic, national and international statistics have shown that every year 25,000 Dominican women and girls are treated in the public health system for complications related to spontaneous and induced abortion, and according to the Ministry of Public Health, this accounts for 8% of maternal deaths in the country. Women’s reproductive rights and access to safe abortion are essential components of women’s health care, but many countries prevent access to these rights.
I understand that you may hear people argue that abortion kills women. However, abortion is a low-risk procedure when done legally and safely. In fact, according to the PLoS Medicine article “Why restricting access to abortion damages women’s health,” abortion is a low-risk procedure when it is performed using safe methods. Deaths from unsafe abortion account for 8% of all maternal deaths, making it one of the leading direct causes of maternal death worldwide, along with hemorrhage, hypertension, and sepsis. Another study suggests that making it easier for women to get abortions could save lives, suggesting that countries with more tolerant abortion laws have lower maternal mortality rates. And the Supreme Court’s decision could potentially worsen maternal health in the US.
Other people may believe that illegal abortion will decrease the number of abortions performed in the country, but based on a study of pregnancy intentions and abortion from the 1990s to 2019 shows that countries with abortion restrictions have similar figures to countries with legal abortion. So that statement is invalid.
Abortion is not something new. It is a practice that has been done by thousands of women throughout human history. According to Naomi Rendina, a historian of women and medicine, women have chosen or been subjected to reproductive procedures throughout history, including methods of self-induced abortion and the lactation of babies that are not their own. In many ancient and modern societies, these reproductive methods have been used. Even though the practices have differed from one group to the other, they have been very similar. She also stated that the loss of Roe v. Wade is not only a threat to women’s right to abortion but also a threat to women’s fundamental right to privacy in making decisions for the best of their reproductive health.
This restriction also impacts men, as fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons who care and love the women in their lives. Given your role as a father to two beautiful daughters, envisioning their potential denial of essential medical services in the future would undoubtedly evoke strong emotions.
To create change, it is important to get informed so we can help friends and family, to stop spreading misinformation about these medical procedures, and to reduce the stigma by being open-minded, putting yourself in the other person’s situation, respecting the person and their decision even if their belief system is different. It is important to vote for legislators who support sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Let us stand together, as members of the Dominican Diaspora and as residents of this country, to support the rights and well-being of all, and to work towards a better future for our communities in the United States.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. My number is always available.
Sincerely,
Ruth
©2023 Ruth
