Understanding What Your Reproductive Rights Are

News
Written By Guest User

It has been one week since the landmark ruling from the US Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and nearly 50 years of precedent around a woman’s right to have an abortion without undue government interference, prior to fetal viability outside of the womb. The action effectively turned abortion rights over to individual states, and the ensuing days have left healthcare professionals, abortion clinics, and most importantly – women – in the United States unsure of what the future will hold. 

Yes, this is an issue deeply mired in American politics. But it’s fundamentally a topic related to women’s health and reproductive rights – making this a global conversation. So let’s talk about abortion.

Global stats on abortion

Worldwide, around 3 in 10 pregnancies end in abortion each year and around 24% of women will have an abortion by age 45 (WHO). In 2014, 51% of abortion patients were using contraceptive methods in the month that they became pregnant, most commonly condoms (24%) or a short-acting hormonal method (13%). 

It’s important to know that criminalizing abortion does not stop abortion, but it can make abortions unsafe. According to the World Health Organization, unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal deaths and 23,000 women die of unsafe abortion each year. 

We want to help you understand your reproductive rights, wherever you are in the world, so you can know how to access the help, support, and resources you may need. 

The role of abortion in women’s healthcare

There are times when an abortion is used as a treatment to preserve the mother’s health – this is often known as therapeutic termination, but can also be called a medically indicated termination or medically indicated abortion. A therapeutic termination may be considered when: 

  • There’s a condition that will result in the fetus dying either before or soon after birth

  • The risks to the mother are too serious to continue with the pregnancy. This may be the case if: 

    • The pregnancy is ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the womb. Usually in one of the fallopian tubes. When an egg gets stuck in the fallopian tubes, the fetus won’t develop and the mother’s life may be at risk. 

    • The mother has severe pre-eclampsia, a series of blood pressure conditions that can occur during pregnancy. When preeclampsia is severe, symptoms include decreased kidney or liver function, fluid in the lungs, low blood platelet levels, and decreased urine production. 

    • When premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs. This is when the amniotic sac breaks open before labor begins.

    • Intense bleeding with placenta previa. Placenta previa is a problem in pregnancy when the placenta covers the opening of the uterus. It can cause bleeding during pregnancy or delivery – sometimes that bleeding can become severe and life-threatening. 

    • Kidney or cardiac issues during pregnancy. Evidence shows that women with mild kidney or cardiac disorders can have a healthy pregnancy, however, in moderate-to-severe cases, the risk of complications is much greater, and avoiding or terminating pregnancy may be considered. A mother’s health, disorder severity, comorbid conditions, and other factors can impact pregnancy outcomes. 

    • Selective reduction with IVF. When multiple pregnancies are induced by fertility treatments like IVF, the decision is sometimes taken to reduce the number of pregnancies to improve the health of the remaining babies and/or the mother. 

The decision to terminate a pregnancy is always very difficult and personal, and you should not be pressured into any decision you are uncomfortable with. 

Understanding reproductive rights globally 

Although the right to safe and legal abortion is recognized and protected in various human rights treaties across the world, there are no international laws that directly address abortion or reproductive rights. Access to safe and legal abortions, therefore, varies globally; according to the Center For Reproductive Rights, around 59% of women of reproductive age live in counties that broadly allow abortion, and 41% of women live under restrictive laws. 

This resource from the Center For Reproductive Rights outlines abortion law by country and can help you understand your rights, wherever you are. 

Understanding reproductive rights in the US

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade, access to abortion will be dependent on state laws. This is a shifting landscape with legal complexities that vary across state lines. For up to date information and an interactive map, we recommend this resource. 

At present, federal regulation allows medication abortions to be dispensed by telehealth and sent by mail from certain prescribers and pharmacies. It can also be dispensed at in-person clinics, medical offices, and hospitals.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are required to provide people with birth control and family planning counseling at no out-of-pocket cost. Under US law, women also have the right to other preventative health services including pap smears, breast exams, counseling and screening, prenatal care, breastfeeding services & supplies, breast & cervical screenings, and interpersonal violence screening and counseling. 

Resources & support in the US

Global support & resources

Enjoyed this post?
Download the Baby2Body app for more healthy living tips in ttc and pregnancy
Guest User
Previous

Are You & Your Partner Ready For Baby? Here’s Your Pre-Conception Checklist
Next

Endometriosis, Fertility, And Pregnancy: Information, Resources & More