Abortion bans don't work

Most of us are having the wrong conversation about abortion. We focus on whether or not it is murder, whether or not it is morally/ethically wrong, and whether or not it should be legal. These conversations are philosophical and important, but wholly ignore practicalities that are necessary to consider when making practical policy. Fundamentally, the important political question is not "Should abortion be legal?", but "What happens if it isn't?"

We already know what happens: abortion rates go up, poor women die, pregnant teens kill themselves at astonishing rates, and abortion becomes more dangerous. This is not a joke, nor is it conjecture. It is reality. Therefore, if you support abortion bans, you must ask yourself why. To save babies? Unfortunately, more babies die. To save mothers? Unfortunately, more mothers die. Bans not only fail to produce their intended effects, they compound the very problems they purport to solve.

If you oppose abortion, then practicality requires that you support affordable/accessible contraception and the provision of comprehensive sex education: the only two strategies proven time and time again to reduce abortion rates. Do you long for formalized Western European-style restrictions on late-term abortion? Then support their policies regarding sex education, contraception, accessible first trimester abortion, mandatory paid family leave, and prorated benefits which make those late-term restrictions possible.

The Obama administration funded comprehensive sex education to the tune of over $200 million and mandated contraception coverage through the ACA. Consequently, current rates of teen pregnancy and abortion have never been lower in U.S. history. Pro-choice policies produce the pro-life outcomes anti-abortion activists want.

Kim Cavill

Palatine