What Is Abortion Really? When you hear the word “abortion,” the first image that might come to mind is a woman walking into a doctor’s office to terminate a pregnancy because she doesn’t want kids. While that scenario may hold some truth, it is far from the whole story. Abortion is deeply tied to health care, reproductive rights, and women’s autonomy. To truly understand it, we need to explore what abortion means and why it remains a critical issue in health care.

Defining Abortion: More Than What You Think Abortion is defined as “the expulsion of a fetus from the uterus before it has reached the stage of viability (in human beings, usually about the 20th week of gestation)” (Britannica). However, this medical definition encompasses more than just elective termination—it also includes miscarriages and life-saving procedures for women facing severe complications. Without access to legal and safe abortion, many women might be forced to seek dangerous, illegal methods that can lead to severe health risks or even death.

Why Do Abortions Happen? Abortions can occur for various reasons, including:

• Personal Choice: A woman may decide she is not ready for a child due to financial constraints, mental health issues, or simply not wanting kids. The choice to end a pregnancy is not made lightly, and it often involves deep reflection and difficult circumstances.
• Socioeconomic Factors: The cost of raising a child in the U.S. ranges between $16,000 – $20,000 annually. For a single mother making $30,000 – $60,000 (lower-middle class) a year, this could mean sacrificing basic needs, relying on government assistance, and facing societal stigma for needing help.
• Rape and Sexual Assault: Around 5% of pregnancies in the U.S. are a result of rape, affecting over 30,000 women (between the ages of 12 – 45) each year. Should these survivors be forced to carry their rapist’s child? For many, this compounds their trauma and strips them of autonomy.
• Miscarriages and Stillbirths: Research suggests that 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage (March of Dimes). Stillbirth affects 1 in 175 births, with approximately 21,000 babies stillborn annually in the U.S. When these tragic losses are classified as abortions, how can we justify punishing women for circumstances beyond their control?

Adoption and Foster Care: Not a Simple Solution Many argue that if a woman doesn’t want a child, she can simply put the baby up for adoption or place the child in foster care. But this option is not as straightforward as it sounds:

• Overburdened Systems: There are currently over 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. Many of these children face instability, moving from home to home, and often aging out of the system without permanent families. 
• Emotional Toll on the Mother: Carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term can be an emotionally devastating experience, especially if the child was conceived under traumatic circumstances like rape. The psychological impact of giving up a child can be profound and long-lasting, affecting the mental health of the mother.
• Outcomes for the Child: While adoption can be a wonderful choice for some, it’s not a guaranteed solution for EVERY child. Many children placed in foster care face neglect, abuse, and a lack of resources. Forcing women to carry pregnancies with the assumption that the child will simply be adopted overlooks the harsh realities of the foster care system.

The narrative that adoption or foster care is a simple alternative ignores the complexities of these decisions. It also fails to consider the mother’s well-being and the child’s future quality of life.

The Silence and Stigma That Harm Women In many cases, the women who choose to terminate their pregnancies do so out of necessity, not convenience. Yet, instead of compassion, they face judgment and legal barriers. Miscarriages can be wrongly classified as abortions, leaving grieving mothers vulnerable to prosecution. The criminalization of abortion does not stop abortions from happening—it only makes them unsafe.

The Importance of Choice: Pro-Choice, Not Pro-Abortion Pro-choice does not mean advocating for everyone to get an abortion. It means supporting the right to make a decision based on individual circumstances, health, and well-being. It’s about having the freedom to choose what’s best for your body and your future, without the government or society imposing that choice on you.

What About Abstinence and “Just Don’t Have Sex”? Many suggest abstinence as the solution to unwanted pregnancies. However, this view ignores the complexities of human relationships and fails to address the reality of sexuality. Instead, comprehensive sexual education and access to contraceptives like birth control and condoms are proven to be effective in reducing unintended pregnancies. Yet, even these methods can be costly and are not easily accessible to everyone. Without insurance, birth control pills can cost up to $50 per month, while an IUD can run up to $1,300. Telling people to simply “not have sex” is unrealistic—providing education on sexual health and ensuring affordable access to contraceptives is a far more practical and effective approach.

Hard Choices, Harder Consequences: The Impact of Restricting Abortion Access The consequences of denying women access to abortion are severe and far-reaching. It puts women’s lives at risk, disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and punishes those who are already vulnerable. If we care about the well-being of women and children, we need to ensure that every option is available, including the option to choose abortion.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Fight for Reproductive Rights Abortion is not an easy topic, and the choices involved are complex. But reducing the conversation to simplistic arguments about morality or politics does a disservice to the real lives affected by these laws. The reality is this: when we restrict access to safe, legal abortion, we don’t stop abortions—we only make them unsafe. The fight for reproductive rights is a fight for health care, autonomy, and the dignity of choice.

Note: This article aims to educate readers on the complexities of abortion and the importance of respecting a woman’s right to make informed decisions about her own body. Empowering individuals with accurate information is key to fostering understanding and supporting reproductive freedom.

Suggested Hotlines:

1. National Sexual Assault Hotline:
   • Call: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
   • Online Chat: rainn.org
   • Available 24/7 for confidential support.
2. National Domestic Violence Hotline:
   • Call: 1-800-799-7233
   • Text: Text “START” to 88788
   • Provides support and resources for those experiencing domestic abuse.
3. Planned Parenthood Helpline:
   • Call: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
   • Offers information on reproductive health, including abortion services and options.