By Daniel Vega
Edited/updated (5/5/22) Additional information was added to to breaking news and language changes to clarify points made in the article
In several states throughout the U.S., state legislatures have instituted laws banning abortions, making it illegal for physicians to perform the procedure. In doing so many women and physicians feel that their constitutional rights have been violated. Although the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Florida, and Texas have all instituted abortion bans, the credibility of these abortion bans are under close speculation as a Mississippi abortion law is set to be heard this summer by the Supreme Court and the landmark Supreme Court case “Roe v. Wade” remains a very valid decision. The two most recent abortion bans are those instituted by Oklahoma and Florida, both of which have received significant backlash from throughout the U.S.
The Oklahoma Abortion Ban
On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt signed into law SB-612. After signing this bill Gov. Stitt stated, “We want Oklahoma to be the most pro-life state in the country. We want to outlaw abortion in the state of Oklahoma”. This bill would effectively make it a felony for a physician to perform an abortion in the state of Oklahoma. Physicians who do not comply could face a fine of $100,000 and a prison sentence of 10 years. The abortion bill will take effect this summer after the state legislature adjourns. There are many viewpoints on this controversial subject, and perhaps one of the most outspoken groups on this topic is the organization Planned Parenthood. After this bill was signed into law the president of Planned Parenthood released a statement in which she said, “Planned Parenthood and our partners are doing everything in our power to stop this total abortion ban and let politicians know — banning abortion is never OK”.
The Florida Abortion Ban
The Florida Abortion bill titled House Bill 5 was signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, April 14, 2022. After signing this bill Gov. DeSantis said, “Life is a sacred gift worthy of our protection, and I am proud to sign this great piece of legislation which represents the most significant protections for life in the state's modern history”. Florida’s House Bill 5 would effectively make it illegal for women to get abortions after 15 weeks. The only legal exception to this law is if the pregnancy threatens the physical health of the mother. Regarding this issue Alexis McGill Johnson - President of Planned Parenthood - stated that, “The supporters of this bill have put their own political ambitions and beliefs before the health and futures of their constituents”.
Possible Overturn of Roe v. Wade
According to a majority draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, that was leaked to the website politico and confirmed to be legitimate by Chief Justice John Roberts in a statement on Tuesday , the supreme court has decided to strike down Roe v. Wade. In Alito’s opinion he writes, “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives”. Essentially, Justice Alito is saying that the U.S. legislature should decide on whether or not abortion should be legal, not the judicial branch. In response there will be a vote next week on the supreme court’s decision on Roe v. Wade, and whether or not to make abortion legal.
Throughout the course of the past two years, abortion bans have been taking place around the country. These abortion bans have caused a variety of issues for people throughout the U.S. and the rate of these abortion bans has greatly increased in the past year. Regardless of personal opinion this debate features two distinct sides those who feel abortion should be a right, those who oppose abortion, and women stuck in the middle who feel their rights are being taken away.
Sources
Reuters.com - https://www.reuters.com/world/us/oklahoma-governor-signs-near-total-abortion-ban-that-threatens-prison-providers-2022-04-12/
Britannica - https://www.britannica.com/event/Roe-v-Wade