We, the undersigned residents of the United States of America, petition that Congresses on both the state and and national levels create laws for abortion that are sensitive to the nuances of our varied views on abortion.

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in recent years, the topic of abortion has become increasingly more divisive amongst us, the American people. Citizens on both sides of the issue villainize the other’s views while maintaining the perceived righteousness of their own cause. We wish to halt the progression of this divide between our people. We, as concerned citizens, acknowledge the complexity of this issue, the desire of all parties to be heard and understood, as well as the need for peace during this divisive time in America. In response, we submit this petition to provide a possible solution to the issue of varying opinions of abortion.

A key point that has been overlooked in many discussions and arguments concerning abortion is this: Much of our individual support for or opposition against abortion is dependent on the specific reason an abortion is performed. Several studies, such as those published in the academic journal Political Psychology (https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.12803 ) or the book America’s Four Gods (Froese & Bader, 2010), show that support for abortion and abortion legislature varies significantly depending on the specific reason abortions can be carried out. These studies divide abortion into two types: “Elective” and “Traumatic” abortion. These types can also be further sectioned into more specific instances of abortion, with differing levels of support for each between individuals. This trend holds true even for religious individuals, who are generally considered to be more opposed to abortion. Much of the disparity amongst us Americans is grounded in misunderstandings of the reasons for abortion that we support or oppose. 

The problem arises when much of the abortion legislature passed in recent years addresses abortion as a singular whole, instead of differentiating between the nuanced views that we individual Americans actually carry. We request that further abortion legislation is evaluated and passed specific to certain reasons an abortion may be performed. For clarification, we are not advocating for certain reasons for abortion to be legalized or outlawed, rather that laws are made specifically addressing each individual reason an abortion may be performed. Through this, we hope to achieve more unity and peacemaking in the divisive political climate of this issue.

Thank you for reading and considering this petition in the face of such political divisiveness. We, the undersigned, look forward to a brighter future with increased understanding and nuance in the legislature.