The Overturn of Roe v. Wade Threatens The Mental and Physical Health of Millions

 

Ever since the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, there has been a continuous debate in the United States over whether or not abortion should be legal. Proponents of abortion rights argue that a woman's right to choose what to do with her own body is a fundamental human right, and that criminalizing abortion does not stop it from happening, but simply makes it more dangerous. Opponents of abortion argue that life begins at conception, and that abortion is therefore murder.

The most recent attack on Roe v. Wade comes from President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh. If confirmed, Kavanaugh would be the fifth conservative justice on the Court, giving those who oppose abortion a majority. There is a very real possibility that Roe v. Wade could be overturned, which would have devastating consequences for women's health, both mental and physical.

Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures in the United States, with a complication rate of less than one percent. However, if it is made illegal, women will be forced to seek out unsafe abortions from untrained providers, or try to self-induce abortions using dangerous methods. This would lead to a significant increase in maternal mortality rates, as well as serious injuries and even death for many women.

In addition to the physical risks involved, making abortion illegal would also have a profound impact on women's mental health. Research has shown that having an unwanted pregnancy and being denied an abortion can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Forcing women to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term would only exacerbate these mental health issues.

It is clear that the overturn of Roe v. Wade would be a disaster for women's health, both mental and physical. It is imperative that we do everything we can to prevent this from happening.

Contributed by Jasmine Sophie