On Sept. 1, in Texas, TX SB8 was passed. This bill banned abortions after six weeks, or after a fetal heartbeat is detected.
I, as thousands of others, believe women deserve better than abortion. They deserve support so that they do not feel pressured into abortion. They need compassion and reminders that they are strong enough to live the life they have always wanted to and to have a baby. They deserve better than a procedure that has been proven to have lasting negative impacts on mental health.
Many people are celebrating that about 150 babies will be saved everyday with this bill, but it is imperative to note that this is not the entire picture. Just because the bill became a law does not mean that there are less women facing unplanned pregnancies. I acknowledge that there needs to be additional changes.
Rape will not end because of this bill. People who do not feel that they can support a child will not all of the sudden be able to support them because of this bill. Women will not get more maternity leave and not be pressured to be a stay-at-home mom because of this bill. It would be great if that was the case, but it is not. If you are thinking anything related to this, trust me when I say that I hear you and I agree with you. Women facing unplanned pregnancies in Texas need support, which is why I am going to provide some organizations below, so you can consider being there for women in crisis.
• Loreto House
• Heart of Texas Pregnancy Resource Center
• Resources for Women
• Care Net Pregnancy Center of Houston-Champions
To find any Pregnancy Resource Center: Find a Pregnancy Center in your Area | Care Net Pregnancy Centers.
On Thursday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., in Buckley Center 108, Voice for Life will be having an open discussion about this bill. I invite anyone who wants to have a conversation to stop by.
Emily Melcher is a senior at UP. She can be reached at melcher22@up.edu.
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