Knowlegde Of Abortion

Knowledge of abortion, and laws for reformed abortion.

Introduction

There is a young woman who went to have an abortion in a clinic in Texas. Due to her medical needs and abortion was critical to save her life. While there she was put under the scrutiny of picadors. While her abortion was needed, she sat next to a lady who was young and told her to not be scared that she had done this before. Which made the young lady ask her why she was there and how many times has she had this done. The women replied to her stating that she has had 5 abortions because she did not like to use a condom. This is a prime example of why abortion laws need reform and why there are some people who really need to abort. While there are others how just shouldn't be allowed to have the option. Abortion is very controversial and a really touch subject. However, society needs to stop worrying about upsetting someone and put some laws in place. As well as, education Americans about abortion and the different laws that vary from state to state. Society needs to know the history of abortion, the laws that are in place, and what laws are in place for minors.

Abortion was a crime before the late 1960's. In the early years it was criminal and severely punished. American law has changed dramatically over the years. In the 19th century America adopted its common law from England. Due to this all states followed the existing England's common law. As each state or territory grew they opted for criminal law over common law, which included abortion. In 1820, Connecticut was the first state to pass the law making abortion a felony. New York followed in 1928 with everyone else following threw the 1930's up to the 1950's. An abortion regulation movement began in the mid 19th century. The only exception to abortion then was if it preserved the life of the mother. Then in the 1960's - early 1970's things began to change. Americans wanted to be more liberal for abortion, which meant allowing victims of rape/incest to be allowed to abort. "Its inclusion of "liberalized" features was a watershed for the loosening of abortion regulations, which had, until this time, usually banned all abortions but those to save the mother's life"(State Abortion Law, nd. Paragraph 6). In 1973, the case of Roe vs. Wade changed everything. States began to allow abortion "on demand." Due to Roe no state could regulate first trimester abortions. Since Roe vs. Wade in 1973 abortion laws are pretty much the Supremes court decision. Each state must go through the Supreme Court for them to decide if the law is constitionial under federal constitution.

* Survey was done among all adults asking them about abortion laws. Were they wanting abortion laws to be one of the following: a) Opt to make abortion easier to obtain b) Maintain status quo meaning no change to current law or c) Opt for more it to be more difficult to get an abortion.

Laws are different from state to state due to state constitutions. Nearly every state has some sort of law limiting abortion. In three states abortion will be banned if Roe vs. Wade is overturned. Then there are five states that plan to ban abortion to it fullest extent, these five states being Arkansas, Montana, New England, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania. Also, Louisiana and Utah have stated their policy protecting the unborn. Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington have laws affirming abortion before viability and anytime there after if necessary. There are also states with laws restricting non-surgical or chemical abortions. In turn, there are eighteen states that have banned partial birth and dilation and extraction abortion procedures. There are many women who have abortions without telling there spouse so to prevent this ten states have a consent and notice law for spouses. Currently thirty-eight states who have parental notification laws in place. Although some states have no enforced such laws others have. "Maine allows a minor to receive counseling in lieu of parental or judicial consent"(Abortion Law Homepage, 1996. Paragraph 10). There are also laws, which require waiting periods, physician requirements, clinic access, and counseling regulations. Additionally there is a law on public funding, which varies from state to state on, who is eligible. For instance, three states prohibit unless the women's life is in danger. As stated there are many different laws that vary from state to state. America needs to education themselves of not only their states laws but other states laws as well.

Studies to know the decline of minor abortion rates have been done in the state of Texas. This research is very conclusive and shows that there is a need for the law all over the United States. " Abortion rates fell among all teenagers in Texas after a parental notification law for minors took effect in the state beginning of 2000"(Althaus, 2006. Para. 1). In the early 1990's minors would travel outside of the state to get and abortion due to the parental consent laws. Now more laws have passed which in turn means children must travel much further to get and abortion without parental consent. Early studies done to determine the rate of minor abortions were non-conclusive due to the minors who traveled