The issue of reproductive freedom is on the ballot on Nov. 5 in the form of Amendment 3. In the official document it covers the government shall not deny or infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom. The matters relating to reproductive freedom include, but are not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care, and birthing conditions. If Amendment 3 passes, it will guarantee a right to abortion until fetal viability, which is right now around 24 weeks, and will be allowed later if needed for the health of the pregnant woman. It will lift the ban the state has had in place since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
The people against the amendment have been focusing on the abortion part of the amendment. They say that the amendment allows abortion all nine months. They are worried about parent consent laws, health and safety standards being eliminated in the state. The people against believe that there are implications beyond reproductive health that goes into gender care and creation of human embryos for stem cell research.
There seems to be much misinformation circulating about this amendment. Many people are for the amendment and the language used. The amendment says that abortion is allowed up to fetal viability, which is when the child can live without extensive medical help. After that, it is up to the doctor and the woman who is pregnant to make the decision of abortion after fetal viability if the unborn child or mother is in danger. They don’t believe that parent consent laws or health and safety standards are in danger because of the amendment. The parents still have to give consent if an underage girl is pregnant and wants a abortion. The doctors have to have a medical license to perform the abortions. In the language nowhere does it mention implications beyond what’s in the amendment.
I believe that the government should not deny or interfere with the choice with reproductive freedom. People all over the country are being denied abortions, which is a major part of women’s reproductive health care, and these women are often suffering and dying because of this restriction. I’m tired of seeing women’s healthcare being up to the government instead of the woman and her doctor. I’m also tired of reading the news and seeing women’s healthcare being denied by the government. I don’t want to live in a state where I could not make decisions about my own healthcare without the government denying or interfering .
As a first-time voter I will proudly cast my vote for amendment 3. I have done my research and I still believe that as a female I should make my decisions without the government denying or interfering with my decisions. I want to have my voice heard, especially about women’s healthcare.