There are many reasons why a woman may undergo an abortion to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The personal views of providers affect the care that these women receive. However, it is also vital to address individuals’ access to safe and timely abortion, which is often at the center of political debate in the United States. Depending on the state, a woman may encounter a lack of appropriate facilities, high prices for abortion, and an absence of after-abortion care. According to Jones, Ingerick, and Jerman, supportive states offer the cheapest options for abortion, meaning that this procedure is more accessible for patients with limited financial resources. Moreover, areas with hostile policies have a lower number of clinics that offer this procedure, implying that women have a tougher time finding medical assistance (Jones et al., 2018). These topics are essential in discussing women’s health since access to abortion determines women’s choices of giving birth or participating in unsafe pregnancy termination.
Another point in accessing states’ policies regarding abortion is the existence of stigma. Prejudice toward people undergoing abortion can be external and internal. Hanschmidt, Linde, Hilbert, Riedel‐Heller, and Kersting note that many women deal with shame and guilt, not because they regretted their decisions but because they feared social judgment. These feelings were also linked to higher levels of mental distress, social isolation, and psychological problems (Hanschmidt et al., 2016). As one can see, the physical, psychological, and social risks of limiting access to abortion or proposing hostile policies are apparent. Women who do not feel safe in their environment are unlikely to change their view of their pregnancy, which increases their health risks in unsupportive communities.
References
- Hanschmidt, F., Linde, K., Hilbert, A., Riedel‐Heller, S. G., & Kersting, A. (2016). Abortion stigma: A systematic review. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 48(4), 169-177.
- Jones, R. K., Ingerick, M., & Jerman, J. (2018). Differences in abortion service delivery in hostile, middle-ground, and supportive states in 2014. Women’s Health Issues, 28(3), 212-218.