Last month, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law the Heartbeat Bill, which bans women from having abortions in the state of Texas as early as six weeks. This law is scheduled to commence in September 2021, but many Texas residents are not making this as easy as Abbott hoped. The law, according to Abbott, “ensures that the life of every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion.” The Heartbeat Bill would restrict women from having abortions once a heartbeat can be detected, typically within 6 weeks and typically before most woman even find out they are pregnant. This law will not make any exceptions for cases of rape or incest. This law would be an initial step in overruling the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that protects a woman’s choice to her body.
Many Texans are protesting this recently signed bill and are understandably furious. A stranger, let alone a man, should not be able to make that kind of life-changing decision for a woman. Having a baby is a long and difficult physical, emotional and financial change for a woman and the people who she allows into her life during that time. It is a responsibility that some are not ready for, and that’s okay. But no woman should be forced to go through with that kind of life altering decision because they were not given a choice.
We understand ways in which we can become pregnant and ways to possibly prevent it if needed, but what if we can’t stop it? In the cases of rape, a very serious topic, I cannot understand nor imagine the torment of having to be constantly reminded of what occurred. I understand the intention of some in wanting to support the continuation of creating a life, but not in cases like this, and especially not as early as six weeks.
This Heartbeat Bill will not stop abortions from happening. Women can go to another state to get it done, but that isn’t ideal because of the financial hardship it would cost. If Governor Abbott seriously thinks this is a good idea, what else is he doing about it? If Abbott is not allowing women to decide what to do with their bodies, is he going to provide resources to assist these women who do not have the means financially, mentally and physically to see their pregnancies full term? Is he going to provide free medical insurance? How about mental health resources? This is a sensitive topic that needs to continue to be discussed in order to bring justice for women and control over their bodies. Do not stay quiet.
