The Negative Side Effects of Abortion in the United States
1. Introduction
The aim of this essay is to explore abortion and its side effects in the United States. In particular, the focus will be on how Congress restriction on the use of Medicaid affects women’s ability to access safe abortions, as well as the high incidence of abortion and its impact on the mother-daughter relationship.
2. Abortion and its side effects in the United States
2.1 Congress restriction on the use of Medicaid
One of the reasons why some women are not able to access safe abortions is because Congress has placed restrictions on the use of Medicaid to pay for abortion procedures. Medicaid is a government health insurance program that provides medical assistance to low-income individuals and families. According to a report by the Guttmacher Institute, as of 2016, 32 states had adopted policies that restrict the use of Medicaid funds to pay for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or life endangerment (Guttmacher Institute, 2017). This means that in these states, women who wish to have an abortion but cannot afford to pay for it themselves are not able to use Medicaid to cover the cost.
The effect of this policy is that it disproportionately affects low-income women, who are often already struggling to make ends meet. This can lead to financial hardship, as well as stress and anxiety about how they will be able to afford the procedure. Moreover, it can also lead to delays in getting an abortion, which can increase the risk of complications. In some cases, women may be forced to carry their pregnancy to term because they cannot afford to have an abortion (Guttmacher Institute, 2017).
2. 2 Lack of access to safe abortions
Another reason why some women are not able to get safe abortions is because they live in rural areas where there is a lack of access to abortion providers. According to a report by the National Partnership for Women & Families, more than half of US counties do not have any abortion providers (National Partnership for Women & Families, 2017). This means that women living in these areas have to travel long distances in order to get an abortion, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, it can also be difficult for women to find someone who can provide them with transportation and child care while they are away from home (National Partnership for Women & Families, 2017).
The lack of access to abortion providers can also have a negative impact on women’s health. For example, if a woman needs an emergency abortion but cannot get one in her area, she may be forced to go through with an unsafe procedure that could put her health at risk (National Partnership for Women & Families, 2017). Moreover, if a woman is unable to get an abortion in a timely manner, she may be forced to carry her pregnancy to term, which can also have adverse health consequences.
2. 3 High incidence of abortion
Another side effect of abortion in the United States is that there is a high incidence of abortion among young women. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 60% of all abortions in 2014 were performed on women aged 20-29 years old (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). This is likely due to a number of factors, including unplanned pregnancies and a lack of access to contraception.
The high incidence of abortion among young women can have a number of negative consequences. For example, it can lead to an increased risk of complications, such as infection and hemorrhage. Additionally, it can also lead to emotional distress and anxiety for the woman involved. Moreover, the high incidence of abortion among young women can also have an impact on their future fertility, as well as their mental and physical health (CDC, 2016).
2. 4 Abortion and its impact on the mother-daughter relationship
One of the most detrimental side effects of abortion is its impact on the mother-daughter relationship. This is because, in many cases, the decision to have an abortion is made by the daughter without consulting her mother. As a result, the daughter may feel that she has been betrayed by her mother, or that her mother does not care about her. Additionally, the daughter may also feel guilty about her decision to have an abortion, which can lead to further tension in the relationship (Chesler, 1992).
Moreover, the mother may also feel guilty about her decision to allow her daughter to have an abortion. In some cases, the mother may even blame herself for her daughter’s decision. This can lead to a feeling of shame and isolation, as well as a sense of loss and grief (Chesler, 1992). The impact of abortion on the mother-daughter relationship can be long-lasting and destructive.
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, abortion can have a number of negative side effects in the United States. These include Congress restriction on the use of Medicaid, which can prevent women from being able to afford safe abortions; a lack of access to safe abortions in rural areas; and a high incidence of abortion among young women, which can lead to health complications and emotional distress. Additionally, abortion can also have a detrimental effect on the mother-daughter relationship.