Following our 4th participation topic, I came across "Dear Texas: Stay out of my health decisions." by Nicolette Loisel. My peer explains and analyzes two other restrictions against abortions in Texas, asserting that these restrictions undermines a woman's constitutional right of choice. My colleague cites two other Texas abortion restrictions to not only display the stupidity of these restrictions, but also to prove that she has the knowledge to address this topic.
My peer states that one restriction requires that women seeking an abortion must have a counseling session and an ultrasound 24 hours before the procedure. You would assume that the goal of this requirement is to ensure the safety of women during their procedure, but she exposes its true goal to prevent the abortion from occurring. Furthermore, my colleague comments upon the undue burden this restriction places on women and how it invades the privacy between women and their doctors. Women have a reason behind their decision to have an abortion. Why must the government impede as though they doubt women have the capacity to make correct decisions?
My colleague then moves on to address a second restriction, which requires that minors have parental permission before receiving an abortion. Of course, a teenager should discuss such a matter with their parents, but it should be for the purpose of informing their parents of their decision or ask for their assistance, not to have their parents make the choice for them. A teenager has the awareness and knowledge to decide what they believe is best for them. Like my peer states, this choice is no one's but the woman's, young or old, seeking the abortion.
My classmate asserts that these restrictions aren't solely about the abortion; they're about a woman's right to be in charge of her own body. It's time to again say no to the regulation of our bodies. People will have varying opinions about abortions, but does the government have the right to force their opinions on women?
