The Texas House of Representatives is setting a dangerous precedent by banning abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy, including cases of rape and incest. Texas is looking to lead the way for other states to impose similar bans that make it incredibly difficult for people to decide whether they want to terminate their pregnancy. Unfortunately for many people, they do not realize they are pregnant until 6 weeks have already passed.

A lack of education can lead people to be misinformed about their own bodies and can force people to make life-altering decisions without taking the proper time it takes to think it over. There are many conditions that may delay someone’s menstrual cycle, which in addition to a possible pregnancy, adds to the uncertainty of what could be going on with their body. In the case of victims of rape and incest, going through something so traumatic and stressful may prevent them from seeking medical care and the ultimate realization that they are pregnant. Regardless of the situation, people should have autonomy over their own bodies and should have the right to terminate a pregnancy they do not want.

This ban has also caused many healthcare professionals and practitioners to turn away people in need of medical care, therefore pushing them to seek alternatives that may be unsafe and put them at even more health risks. It is not up for the Texas House of Representatives to decide for anyone what they should be doing with their bodies, as it should be a private matter that entails only those personally involved. Help us get this out to Governor Greg Abbott to dissuade him from spreading this terrible ban, and give back these people autonomy over their own bodies.

EMAIL GREG ABBOTT AT: Info@gregabbott.com

Find more information at:

“Abortion in Texas.” ACLU of Texas, 15 Dec. 2020, www.aclutx.org/en/know-your-rights/abortion-in-texas