Abortion Rights Supporters Mobilize: Opponents See Hope in Balancing Regulatory Climate

Summary

Abortion rights supporters are organizing in an effort to protect abortion rights in the US, but opponents of the practice remain optimistic that abortion rights will be limited in the near future. The pro-choice movement, which seeks to keep abortion legal, has grown in strength and numbers over the past few years, with an increase in awareness of reproductive rights among the population and more resources being devoted to defending those rights.


At the same time, pro-life groups have also grown in size and activity, and have implemented legislative changes at the state level that restrict access to abortion. In recent years, several states have passed near-total bans on the procedure, and more are expected to do the same in the future. Additionally, the Trump administration has taken multiple steps to restrict reproductive rights, such as appointing anti-abortion judges to the Supreme Court and signing laws that restrict the use of federal funds for abortion-related services.

Despite these moves, abortion rights supporters remain optimistic, citing the increase in public support for the issue and the growth of reproductive rights organizations. According to polls, the majority of Americans currently support a woman's right to choose, and an increasing number of organizations are devoted to advocating for these rights. Organizations such as the National Organization for Women, Planned Parenthood, and NARAL Pro-Choice America have seen a surge in donations and volunteers in recent years, enabling them to expand their reach and activities.

Rather than fighting against a conservative agenda, abortion rights supporters are focusing on protecting the gains they have already made, such as the guarantee of abortion access under Roe v. Wade. They are also working to educate the public on issues such as the importance of access to reproductive healthcare and the dangers of restrictive policies. This education has helped shift public opinion in favor of abortion rights, which could lead to legislative changes that support them.

Overall, while opponents of abortion continue to push forward in changing the law, abortion rights supporters remain hopeful that their efforts will be successful in protecting the rights they have long fought for. With the increasing public support on their side, and the dedication of reproductive rights organizations, the pro-choice movement will continue its work to ensure access to safe, legal abortions for all women.
 

Overview of Abortion Rights

Abortion rights have been a long-standing subject of debate in the contemporary era. Over time, advocates of reproductive freedom have worked to ensure that safe and accessible abortion services remain available for women who need them. These individuals, along with other allies of abortion rights, have worked tirelessly to ensure that the right to choose is available to as many women as possible.
 

The Legalization of Abortion

Abortion was legalized in the United States in 1973 under the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling. This landmark decision affirmed that a woman's right to obtain an abortion was protected under the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution. Since then, numerous states have passed laws that restrict or even limit access to abortion services.
 

Organizations Supporting Abortion Rights

There are numerous organizations across the country devoted to preserving the right to choose. Organizations like NARAL Pro-Choice America, Planned Parenthood, and the National Organization for Women (NOW) are actively fighting to protect and expand access to safe and legal abortion services. In addition, many state and local groups are working to ensure that women in their communities have access to these services.
 

Legislative Efforts to Restrict Abortion Rights

Opponents of abortion rights have sought to limit access to these services and have had some success in certain states. These efforts have included legislation that mandates waiting periods, parental consent laws, and bans on certain types of abortions. While most of these laws have been challenged in court, some have been upheld, creating further obstacles for women seeking to obtain abortions.
 

Continued Struggle for Abortion Rights

Despite the challenges posed by those in opposition to abortion rights, activists and advocates remain steadfast in their commitment to these rights. In recent years, many organizations have grown in strength and numbers, and there is an increased willingness among supporters to stand up and be counted in the fight for reproductive freedom. As the issue of abortion continues to remain a highly controversial one, those who support abortion rights will continue to fight for the right to choose.

The 31-year-old middle school teacher was born the year the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that legalized abortions.

"Women of my generation and the generation after me, we've lived in society in which choice was a given," Brewer said.

But fears that President Bush will have the opportunity to appoint justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who are willing to reverse Roe v. Wade is politicizing women who favor abortion rights.

Giovanna Rossi, director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico, said the action teams being organized in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe are drawing more new people than ever before.

Although public-opinion polls show that a majority of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, "we need to be vigilant," Brewer said. "If you start putting restrictions on it, that's a slippery slope and a risk I'm unwilling to take."

Jennifer Medina, 33, a compliance officer for a privately owned investment company, recently joined the Santa Fe choice action team.

"I don't believe the Supreme Court would overturn a ruling that (an earlier) court made," she said. And "if it did, there would be a huge uproar."

But she acknowledges there's cause for concern.

"George Bush is not going to nominate anybody sympathetic to our views," Medina said.

Both Medina and Brewer said "choice" encompasses the entire spectrum of women's reproductive health, including birth control, sex education, and family planning.

The Roman Catholic Church, which has led the opposition, has never wavered in its position that abortion should not be allowed, ever. While the church as a whole has never said explicitly that faithful Catholic voters should not vote for candidates who support a woman's right to choose, a number of priests in Northern New Mexico believe abortion trumps everything else.

"Anyone who would take a human life does not deserve our vote," said the Rev. Terrence Brennan of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Juan Pueblo.

In New Mexico, abortion services are available in three of the state's 33 counties: Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Dona Ana. The total number of clinics in the state with a full range of reproductive-health services is five. Late-term abortions aren't available in New Mexico.

Chris Lalley, director of governmental affairs and communications for Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, isn't buying Bush's statement that he has no litmus test for judges.

"With all due respect," he said, "that's a lie. We know what one of his litmus tests will be. I wish I was wrong, but I'm not."

NARAL Pro-Choice America has a 30-second television ad ready to run when a Supreme Court vacancy occurs, and its lawyers are researching the opinions of Bush's appointees to the lower courts.

In New Mexico, the choice action teams are circulating a petition to protect Roe and planning a rally on Jan. 22, the anniversary of the landmark decision. While preparing to defend Roe, the state group says it is also working to reduce the need for abortion.

Dauneen Dolce, executive director of the Right to Life Committee of New Mexico, is among anti-abortion activists who are optimistic about federal action.

Last year, state lawmakers declined to take action on five anti-abortion proposals.

Dolce said the group has had difficulty getting bills limiting abortion through legislative committees, although she believes there is strong support among members of both houses.

Opponents say they will be back again in the session beginning Jan. 18, with at least one new measure and some old ones.

Rep. Larry Larranaga, R-Albuquerque, said he expects to carry two bills in the upcoming 60-day session. One is a parental-notification act that he sponsored last year.

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