Within the ongoing, years-long argument about whether abortion rights should be protected, many arguments have been presented. But with the appointment in November of a new, conservative Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett, the subject is in the spotlight once again. While there are mixed views, bringing both sides into account is crucial.

What are the drawbacks of having unsafe abortions?

Being pro-choice is the majority view on abortion. Most Americans don’t believe women should be forced to do something they don’t want to do. And without the ability to get a safe abortion, there would be negative impacts everywhere. According to the World Health Organization (WHO). “Between 4.7% and 13.2% of all maternal deaths can be attributed to unsafe abortion.” Not only does unsafe abortion cause more maternal deaths, but WHO estimates that in developing countries, the cost to the healthcare systems of treating complications from an unsafe abortion is $553 million, plus a staggering $6 billion for treating post-abortion fertility.

What are some roadblocks for having a safe abortion?

Some women are afraid to get abortions because of the stigma around doing so. They know some other people consider it “murder” and a “sin.” And there are tons of reasons why legal abortion is not accessible in many countries. These include restrictive laws, poor access to abortion services, or simply no availability where you live, plus high cost. Still, abortions occur. Generally speaking, rates of abortions where abortive procedures are restricted are fairly similar to those of countries where it is legal and accessible. These roadblocks don’t prevent abortions from happening; they just prevent safe abortions from being provided.

What is the mental and physical toll of an abortion?

Having an abortion not only impacts the fetus, it impacts the person the procedure is done on. According to a 1975 Guttmacher Institute study, four out 10 women who had an abortion experienced a negative self-image and reported having less stable relationships and less support from future partners. But in a 2008-2010 study, women “felt more regret, sadness and anger about the pregnancy than about the abortion and felt more relief and happiness about the abortion than about the pregnancy.” 

In conclusion, legalizing abortion seems like a prudent policy but abortion itself often creates conflicts. While having an abortion may impact a person’s mental health and self-image, legalizing the procedure decreases the risk of unsafe abortions and lessens the risk of maternal deaths. Studies show that individual women experience different reactions to having the procedure. 

Having the procedure may seem like an easy way out, but it carries its own risks. That’s why there is counseling and a process you need to go through to have an abortion. 

In final thoughts, yes, abortions should be legalized around the globe. But when that occurs, each woman has a choice and that choice should not be taken lightly.