With the Trump administration's recent decision to relax requirements that employers cover women's birth control and contraception measures, a move made under guise of "religious liberty," the debate surrounding women's health, birth control and women's rights has been reignited once more. And with all that in mind, I thought it would only be right to clarify some common myths surrounding abortion, which are often touted as arguments against allowing women bodily autonomy.
1. Late-term abortions are cruel and immoral.
Not...necessarily. After the recent house bill intending to ban abortions after 20 weeks of fetal development, I've heard this argument often. And in response, I say this: it is very uncommon for an abortion to occur so late. In fact, only about 1.3% of abortions occur around that time frame, and they are often done because of severe fetal abnormalities that would debilitate the child. They are also done to save the mother's life.
2. Having an abortion makes the fetus feel pain.
Again, not true. A fetus lacks the ability to feel pain until the 24th week of pregnancy, after which the number of abortions that do occur dwindle down significantly.
3. There has been an increase in the number of abortions in recent years.
Nope. In fact, in 2011, the amount of abortions which were administered decreased by 13% from 2008, as a result of greater access to birth control. Ironic, isn't it?
4. Most women regret their decision to have an abortion.
Simply put, no. Nearly 95% of women who have abortions are sure of their decisions and do not have regrets, both in the short and long term. Who would have thought that women know what they want to do with their bodies and when?
I know that abortion is a polarizing issue, with each side having strong opinions and beliefs. And I am by no means minimizing anybody's beliefs. You have the right to believe what you believe, but at the very least, be equipped with the facts. When people lacking a nuanced understanding of a women's body attempt to make or influence policy surrounding women's health, ignorance ensues.