09/01/2021
I'm sure you've heard by now about the abortion ban that went into effect this AM in state of Texas.
Currently, Roe v Wade (1973) bans abortions once the fetus is deemed viable outside of the womb ~24-28 weeks.
But under the new Texas law, abortion is prohibited when a fetal heartbeat is detected {~6-7 weeks but sometimes, as early as 3-4 weeks with a transvaginal ultrasound}, which is often before a woman knows she is pregnant. There is no exception for r**e or in**st, although there is an exemption for "medical emergencies."
The Texas law will significantly impair women's access to the health care they need, particularly for communities of color and individuals with low incomes.
On top of that, the law allows private citizens -- anywhere in the country -- to bring civil suits against anyone who assists a pregnant person seeking an abortion in violation of the ban.
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So technically speaking, this means anyone who even TALKS to a woman about abortion can be sued, let alone participate in the care or actual abortion process.
As a physician, we are OBLIGATED to give our patients choices when it comes to treatments. It is THEIR choice to decide what they want to do with their bodies. Essentially, the law is saying we, as physicians, can all be sued purely for doing our jobs? That's insanity.
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I'm not one to get into politics. In fact, I try my best to avoid it. But when it comes to the government, and in this case, state legislations controlling what we as women can or cannot do with our own bodies, I 100% have an opinion.
If a child cannot be brought into this world safely, with the love, care, and support he/she deserves, especially in the midst of a pandemic, it should be mom's choice 100%, not the state's. Will the state be supporting this child and raising it? No. Then, why should it have a say?
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Pregnancy in & of itself is a big deal.
Having a child is LIFE-CHANGING decision.
But it should be a decision, nonetheless.
To not have a choice in what we can do with our bodies is taking away a fundamental human right.
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I stand with my colleagues and those participating in the medical care of women. Please share & raise awareness π
