Raven's SP project The Importance of Women's Reproductive Rights: Why Access to Safe Abortion Matters?

Abstract

In the United States, abortion has been a contentious issue shown in history. During the 19th century, abortions became illegal due to the increasing number of abortion-related deaths, as described in Leslie Reagan's book "When Abortion Was a Crime." Women still sought out abortion services even though abortion became criminalized. As a result, Women turned to dangerous methods that led to consuming poisonous substances or using coat hangers. Due to the dangers and ineffectiveness of these methods and the stigma attached to abortion, it was difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions. Women still refused to accept these limitations. Through the establishment of an underground network, they could provide safe and affordable abortions to women in need. The story of Jane, as told by Laura Kaplan in her book "The Story of Jane: The Underground Feminist Abortion Service," is a good example. A safe and affordable abortion service could be provided to those in need by the women of Jane through organizing and accessing traditional medical knowledge. These stories are an important reminder that women have always sought ways to control their reproductive health, even when facing legal and social obstacles. A significant victory for reproductive rights was achieving legal abortion in 1973 due to the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case. It was an essential step toward ensuring women's bodily autonomy when it allowed safe and legal abortions. Despite Roe v. Wade, the fight for reproductive rights did not end after the ruling. There are still efforts to restrict access to abortion, and some states, such as Texas, have recently overturned Roe v. Wade, causing a regression in women's rights. Roe v. Wade's revocation reminds us of the power of social pressures to control women's reproductive rights. It also suggests that women's rights can be taken away. In the United States, abortion care has a long history of being dangerous and unaffordable, posing a severe threat to women's health and well-being. Historically, women have fought for reproductive rights, and the current political climate underscores the need to continue this effort. The revocation of Roe v. Wade reminds us how critical it is to learn from the past to protect women's rights in the future. This SP paper examines my goals and impacts as a student in Suny Purchase and my reflection on my role as Roxanne in My Body, My Health, My Choice by Frankie Esienhut and looks at the historical importance of women’s fight for their reproductive rights.