So New York just passed the Reproductive Health Act into law and even though it’s something that already should have been in place, I am happy this milestone has come. Now late-term abortion (24 wks +) is not a crime and more factors are taken into consideration. I know this is a very sensitive topic with people, on both sides of the issue, but I find that most let their personal feelings blind them to what the real point of this is.

Women have the right to decide what they want to do with their bodies and that includes pregnancy. Personal feelings and opinions of strangers don’t apply. You can feel however you want but in the grand scheme of things, which is women’s reproductive rights, you are not in a place to order someone else around. And in all honestly, it’s none of your business. I’ve been involved in a few Facebook threads on this and some of the comments I have seen are horrible and quite out there. Some said this law is evil, society has gone mad, and others feel this is all for harvesting babies organs. One guy said to abort the mother and save the baby. Fun!

I am not even going to waste my time with the pro-lifers because they are against abortion anyway and clearly see things backward (in my opinion). But there are people who aren’t against it that think the RHA allows doctors to just kill full term babies for no reason. It’s mind-boggling the visuals and ideas these people come up with. When in reality the new law states that late-term abortions are legal based on the viability of the fetus or if the woman’s life/health is at risk under the judgment of a professional practitioner (not just physicians). Even before, abortions after 24 weeks were permitted if the mother’s life was at risk. So, I am not sure what all the drama is about. This issue is now a matter of public health – which it should be – and protects women at greater lengths during pregnancy complications. And how is this bad?

Statistically, most abortions happen during the first trimester. Only 1.3% occur beyond 20 weeks (NCBI). I feel for the women who have to deal with that circumstance, whether early or late term. The physical and mental toll they carry can be pretty overwhelming. And knowing first hand what it feels like to lose a baby, I can imagine the heavy heart they carry down that path. It’s just so disappointing to see the hate out there when we should be lifting up these women in need.

No one thinks terminating a pregnancy is fun or exciting. Seriously? It’s a tough decision for anyone that has to consider it and no one has the right to tell a woman what to do in her situation (ESPECIALLY A MAN). Who do people think they are? And judging isn’t cool either. Until you have walked in that person’s shoes you really should zip your lip. What happened to supporting each other through hard times? I would expect women especially to show love and understanding in these situations. We need to stick together more than ever now.

And maybe instead of bashing available options for women, people can focus their energy on spreading awareness and educating young people (both males and females) on safe sex. Let’s work together to teach responsibility and be more open about the issue. It all starts at home and with the help of schools and the community, outreach on these important issues can be much easier. Let’s be a bit stronger – not just for ourselves – but for the women around us. Let’s build each other up, instead of tearing each other apart. That is the world I want to live in. How about you?