Abortion has always been a controversial issue. Most people I know have pretty strong feelings on one side or the other. Thus, not surprisingly there are issues with Oklahoma’s new abortion law.
In Oklahoma, there are three clinics that provide abortion services. According to Clinics To Face New Abortion Law, “the law requires women to have an ultrasound examination” and “listen to a doctor describe the fetus before getting an abortion.” Another law thwarts women who have a child with birth defects from suing their doctor. Here are both sides to the argument that has been brewing over the past few days.
For
Proponents of the measure say the bill will let women make an informed choice. And of course, there is the important issue of championing life. Finally, the law prevents doctors from being sued. According to Clinic: New Okla. abortion law hard on patients , Tony Lauinger says the new abortion ruling is “an attempt to save the lives of unborn children and prevent psychological trauma to pregnant woman.” Lauinger is the state chairman of the group Oklahomans for Life. The bottom line: supporters feel the law will prevent women from making a hasty decision that they may regret in the future.
Against
Others feel that this law invades the privacy of women. Also, they think a woman should not have to undergo the trauma of hearing about the particulars of the fetus. Some say that they are upset that the law includes victims of rape and incest. According to The Center For Bioethical Reform, 1% of abortions are due to rape and incest. Based on information in Clinic: New Okla. abortion law hard on patients , people who work in the clinics have said that the new measures have been difficult for women. Many women have gotten emotional after seeing the ultrasound. Some feel this is wrong.
Statistics
According to abortiontv.com, in 2004, “1,293,000” abortions were performed in the United States. Of these abortions “25.5 percent” were carried out because the mother wanted to defer childbearing. “21.3 percent” were due to an inability to afford a baby. Interfering with education or career accounted for “10.8 percent.” Over 14 percent of the abortions were performed because of an instable relationship or partner’s rejection of pregnancy. Just over “12 percent” of the abortions were due to the parents being too young. Of those who didn’t want any more children, the percentage was “7.9”. About 3 percent were as a result of the mother’s health, 1% because of birth defects and 1% due to rape or incest. According to a Gallup poll from last year, “51 percent of Americans now call themselves “pro-life.” This is the first time in fifteen years that pro-life has been the majority.
So far, the new law has not prevented any abortions. However, this new law has led to a lawsuit by a New York Reproductive rights Group.
Sources:
Clinics To Face New Abortion Law koco.com
Oklahoma’s ‘unconscionable’ new abortion laws The Week
Tim Talley Clinic: New Okla. abortion law hard on patients Associated Press
Majority of Americans now ‘pro-life,’ poll says msnbc.com
abortiontv.com
The Center For Bioethical Reform,
