There has been much commentary on the news and social media about the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the impact it has had on abortion access and women’s rights. This post will help separate the facts from fiction regarding these misconceptions.
Is Abortion Now Illegal In the United States?
The short answer is no. Abortion is not now illegal across the country. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade they ruled that it was now up to each state to decide its own laws regarding access to abortion. This means that the laws governing abortion and the access women have to abortion varies from state to state.
This also means that, just as with other laws, the regulations for abortion will be up to the people who live in that state, as their beliefs will help guide their state government in forming any new laws about abortion access.
Will Women Still Have a Voice?
Yes, in fact, women may end up having a stronger voice on important laws because they will be able to vote for and influence more directly the local legislators who will be making any new laws regarding women’s issues.
Now, local elections will impact those laws, allowing more women to be involved in helping shape what laws are passed in their area. As a result, you will also see different states having different laws on abortion as other states as people make their voices heard in elections.
Can Women Still Receive Life-Saving Treatment for Pregnancy Complications?
Yes, in states like Pennsylvania, there are some restrictions on abortion but there is legal protection for any medical action that needs to be taken to protect the life of a woman.
The law in Pennsylvania states that abortion restrictions do not apply if the medical physician determines that “…abortion was necessary to prevent either the death of the pregnant woman or the substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the woman…” Thus, it allows the proper treatment decision in a medical emergency to be made between the patient and the doctor.
The law also prioritizes the women’s health and physical safety when faced with pregnancy complications and what treatments are available to her.
What Are Abortion Regulations in Pennsylvania?
The current laws governing abortion in Pennsylvania currently set forth the following restrictions on abortion:
- Abortions after 24 weeks are not permitted
- Those seeking an abortion must wait 24 hours and receive counseling to obtain informed consent
- Minors seeking an abortion must have a legal guardian or judge’s approval
- Terminating a pregnancy based on gender preference is not allowed
Who Can I Discuss All of My Options With?
When considering abortion it’s important to not just look at the laws but to also know any risks or side effects to abortion as well as understanding what all your options are.
The staff at Chester County Connect Care can answer all your questions, listen to your concerns, and provide valuable information about your pregnancy, including offering free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost and confidential appointment and start getting the important answers you need to make the best decision for your health.