Not Collateral Damage: Abortion in the Pandemic
It's hard to read about anything other than the coronavirus in the news. Whatever else might be happening in the world is simply insignificant background noise. I don't know about you, but I am sick (ha) of reading and more importantly writing about this. Perhaps I'm alone on this, a lot of people bundled in anxiety can't seem to get enough of the economic doom callers and the constant updated regarding food storage. And of course, that's fair. However, to put some distance (2 meters to be exact) from this constant source of noise, I'd draw attention to the women. Not the brave ones fighting on the frontlines in hospital, but rather those that had the misfortune of having an abortion procedure during these unruly times.
Abortion in itself is a polarizing topic. That's because it isn't something that simply divides people on opinion, while that's difference enough, but for many it's a question on ethics, science and the most divisive of all- religion. Now whether the God you chose, or don't, to worship should impact the life of an individual, free women, with a life of her own, is a discussion in itself. 'Is it ethical to kill?' many ask. 'But is it really killing, if it isn't considered to be alive?' others revert back.
In the US, Roe v. Wade in 1973 made it legal for a women to obtain an abortion. The fact that a rehearing was denied seemed to indicate it was the final word, however the debate continued to live on in the states. Women were still harassed outside abortion clinics by hecklers declaring them sinners and murderers. But, what can we do, just another tax of being a woman in society.
However, women are now facing another assault on their right on their own body. And this time it doesn't come from a religious background, but rather the state itself (although some might argue that there isn't much distinguishment). Texas, Ohio and (you guessed it) Alabama attempted to completely ban abortion under the guise that all 'non-essential' medical operation are to be delayed due to the tyrant of the current pandemic. I believe most would argue that these officers aren't completely ignorant to the extent that they aren't aware that an abortion is a time sensitive operation. For many women a 'temporary delay' would be a permanent ruling, having irreversible impact.
Thankfully there were those with a basic understanding that women can't simply put their pregnancy on pause simply because the state chooses to not let them exercise their constitutional right. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel in Austin ruled to put a stop to the madness by allowing women to continue to get access to this essential healthcare service. However, that does not do anything to erase the fact that this health crisis is being used by politicians to pursue their own legislation, in this case anti-abortion republicans.
The UK was quicker than the United States when it came to legalisation for legalising abortion. In 1967 the Abortion Act came into place, a positive step towards women's rights at the time. So in the face of this crisis, it has taken a more practical and more importantly, considerate, step. The department of Health relaxed abortion rules to allow women who need an abortion up to ten weeks to take two pills at home instead of coming to a clinic where they would be risking an infection. They will still need to consult a doctor online before they can do so, but the ruling has been viewed positively by health experts. It shows the government's recognition of abortion as an essential service, as it rightly should be viewed.
Northern Ireland was slower to legalise abortion, only doing so in October last year. It made abortions legal up to twelve weeks for all cases, so the government took steps to ensure women had access to the service. It was decided that women from Northern Ireland would receive these services, free of charge, in England. This arrangement was set to continue until the UK government was "confident that service provision in Northern Ireland is available to meet women's needs". However, with Covid-19 came travel bans and questions on how the service would continue. Therefore it has become essential that they take steps to ensure women can continue to receive this service during the current pandemic. Possible solution include the use of home abortions, however what steps are taken is yet to be seen.
It is understandable that governments are under pressure and overwhelmed with the pandemic, that no one could have foreseen. Covid-19 is testing everything, from how strong our government and health systems are, and our own humanity as appeals to stay at home and not panic buy continue. However, it is easy during this time to overlooks things such as abortion services, a mistake, we as a society, cannot make.