Abortion is Health Care, Restrictions Should Not Apply
Written by: Shan Jin, AMSA Scholars Programs Chair, Eboni Peoples, AMSA Gender & Sexuality Action Committee Chair,
Holly Grace, AMSA Community & Public Health Action Committee Chair, Aqsaa Chaudhry, AMSA St. James SOM Alumni Member,
Rachel Feltman & Preet Sawhney, AMSA NYITCOM Chapter Members
Currently, roughly 36 million women of reproductive age live in the 26 states that are likely to ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. This would make access to safe, legal abortions out of reach to one-third of the American people who need it. In order for people to have the human right to healthcare, reproductive rights must be included.
AMSA recognized abortion care is a critical part of health care, and believes anyone who needs this vital service should have access to it safely,conveniently, and legally. Under The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021(S.1975) abortion services would be considered an essential service, protecting both patients and physicians. Independent studies have shown that abortion services are safe medical procedures, and restrictions do not confer any health benefits.
Pregnancy is not without risk, for some women can cause bleeding disorders, seizures, and even death if the pregnancy is not terminated. During a recent ob/gyn rotation a patient presented with an anembryonic, nonviable pregnancy. She had hyperemesis, leading to dehydration and altered mental status. The most appropriate care for her was to induce shedding of the uterine lining, thus removing the non-viable gestational sac. Without proper care, this patient was at risk for severe neurological consequences. Reasons to terminate a pregnancy go far beyond medical emergencies, but ultimately it is the mother’s body and AMSA believes whether or not to carry the pregnancy should be the mother’s decision.
As women, medical students, and members of the American Medical Students Association, we feel strongly that the protection of women’s health rights and access to safe and legal abortion procedures is a paramount issue that should address at the federal by our Congress without delay. We urge you, as medical students, to join us in action by contacting your U.S. Senators to voice your support for The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021 (S.1975). Short phone calls, emails, or social media posts can make a real difference!
Call your U.S. Senators today at (202) 224-3121
Find tips for calling your Senators and a short call script here:
AMSA Take Action! Call Your U.S. Senators – Pass the Women’s Health Protection Act
Find your own U.S. Senators official webpage here
along with their direct DC office phone numbers & social media links
Don’t delay, voicemail can be left 24/7
