Perspective by Halle Nottage
Abortion is a topic I personally I have a hard time with. I believe fully that women should have the right to choose what they want to do with their bodies, but for me personally I would never consider an abortion no matter the circumstance, unless my life was in danger and/or the baby would not survive. Which is very much why I support the New York State’s new abortion law, as it gives women the choice before it is to late.
Up until Jan. 22 of this year, in New York State, late term abortions (anything after 20 weeks of gestation) were illegal, and a considerably unorthodox practice to many people. However on the 22nd a new bill was passed legalizing abortion under certain circumstances, either the fetus is not viable and/or it is necessary to protect the mother’s life, up until conception according to Fact Check’s website. This new bill has captured the support of millions, as well as the disapproval of millions, and created one of the largest controversies ever faced by the Women’s Rights Movement.
New York is the 8th state to legalize abortion with no restrictions on when it can be performed, and in doing so joins the states of Alaska, Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont. as well as the District of Columbia. This has greatly impacted many people, both positively and negatively, and brought about a deeper conversation on the morality and ethics of abortion as a whole. The current President of the US, Donald Trump, identifies as a Republican, a political party known to cling to more right-wing philosophies, which include opposition to abortion as a whole, which he has openly expressed on many different occasions. One of the most controversial pieces of his presidency thus far is his plan to defund Planned Parenthood, which are known to provide abortions among many different type of healthcare, such as STD testing and treatment, cervix exams, birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy care, and cancer screening, according to Planned Parenthood’s website.
Abortion is legal in Washington for any reason up until the 24th week, after which the only reason one can have an abortion is if carrying out the rest of the pregnancy will bring harm and/or put the mother’s health and life at risk, according to Legal Voice’s website. Here in Port Angeles, there is a Planned Parenthood located on East 8th Street in downtown. They are open for scheduled appointments, as well as walk ins and do provide abortion services.
Having easy access to women’s healthcare enables many to be able to receive the care they may not be able to receive otherwise due to financial reasons, parental reasons or accessibility reasons. Having a Planned Parenthood in Port Angeles allows for female and male students at Peninsula College to receive whatever healthcare they may need for an affordable price, which in turn allows them to keep working towards their degree without hindrance created by whatever health problems may be affecting them.