The danger of living in states with Trump's abortion bans
30 July 2024
The healthcare of women and girls is under assault in Red states (i.e. with laws passed by the Republican Party) due to abortion bans:
These bans interject government into a decision made by 1 in 4 American women. Red states are dangerous because they:
Prohibit almost all abortions, even for rape and incest
Torture pregnant women and girls with severe fetal anomalies who may have to carry the pregnancies to term
Prevent many women from having babies by IVF (in vitro fertilization)
Promote fraud and deception through anti-abortion centers (also called “pregnancy centers”)
Threaten the availability of hormonal birth control, the morning after pill and IUDs, which these states falsely claim are forms of abortion
May ultimately limit women to “female jobs” compatible with their “primary role as babymakers” (i.e. those held by women in the 1960s and previously)
Limit treatment for women and girls NOT pregnant because physicians may be unable to prescribe medications and offer treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer and other conditions that may adversely affect the embryos of women or girls who might become pregnant.
Due to these abortion bans, I predict that women and their families will leave these antiabortion states or avoid them, as has been reported for college students and medical residents. In addition, people may move since these states also tend to limit rights for LGBTQ individuals and nonWhites and to be more severely affected by climate change due to their geography.
What can you do?
Healthcare providers - I have signed up to be a Health Care Provider for the Biden-Harris campaign. Please join me by signing up here.
Vote Democratic, not only for Vice President Harris but at the Federal, State and local levels. Republicans continue to introduce barriers to abortion rights at all levels of government. Last year, 171,000 patients traveled out of state to get an abortion and cities and States have passed ordinances to forbid travel to get an abortion.
Perhaps you dislike the Democratic Party. As U.S. citizens and voters, we have to recognize that life is about tradeoffs - we must make the best choices we can at the time. Voting for Democratic candidates does not mean you agree with everything they stand for - it means that for issues that are most important to you - protecting women’s healthcare, preserving democracy and opposing dictatorial rule, you prefer Democratic Party policies. You should lobby your representative on issues you disagree with them about.
“There is no leader who will make the decision you want her or him to make 100 percent of the time. Your vote is a tool of hope for a better world. Use it wisely, for it is precious. Use it for others, for they are in need of your support, too.” George H. Takei.
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Consider moving to a Blue state such as Michigan. Red states not only have offensive policies today but they are continuing to limit reproductive rights for women and to promote their preferences for societal dominance by white, heterosexual, Christian, wealthy men.
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