PRO-LIFE or PRO-CHOICE WHO’S DECISION IS IT?

The abortion crisis has two sides: Pro-Life and Pro-Choice. Pro-Life supporters believe that the government has an obligation to preserve all human life, regardless of intent, viability or quality-of-life. Individuals who are Pro-Choice believe that individuals have unlimited autonomy with respect to their own reproductive systems, as long as they don’t breach the autonomy of others.  

       Each year, nearly 1.2 million American women have an abortion to end a pregnancy. Our President Trump, in 1999, told NBC’s Tim Russert that he was “very pro-choice,” and said he would not ban late-term abortions if he were President.

However, in 2015,  while preparing to run for office, he said he was pro-life, with certain exceptions: in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother was at risk. President Trump has further shifted this stance throughout his presidency. As of January 1, 2018, all but 10 states have imposed at least one of five major abortion restrictions. In Virginia alone there are 7 new restrictions. For example, abortion is covered by insurance policies for public employees only in the cases of life endangerment, rape, incest or fetal impairment. Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape, incest or fetal impairment.

As the abortion debate continues, tensions between groups seem to rise. Hopefully, lawmakers will be able to reach decisions that preserve American values, as well as the safety of all citizens.