Roe v. Wade Overturned What This Means For Reproductive Rights

If you’re a woman seeking a pregnancy termination in the US right now, the overturning of Roe v. Wade is probably going to be weighing heavily on your mind. The laws banning abortion in certain states have come into force quickly, as have the six-week bans, which can cause no small amount of confusion and fear when it comes to having an abortion.

So, what do these laws mean for abortions in the US? Here’s a quick guide.

Time Spans

When Roe v. Wade was overturned, many states like Alabama banned abortions outright, except when the pregnancy posed a threat to the woman’s life. However, there were other states, such as Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Ohio, and Tennessee, which allowed abortions to go ahead, provided they were done before six weeks. This created an obvious issue, as many women aren’t aware that they’re pregnant until six weeks have passed.

Although, in the last week, Iowa’s Supreme Court has prevented this six-week ban on abortion from coming into effect. So, if you currently live in Iowa, you’ll be required to attend counseling and then return twenty-four hours later for the abortion.

Last week, Ohio made the six-week ban law, and this law currently stands in Georgia, whereas, due to pressure in Idaho and Tennessee, these states have clamped down on abortion laws and have made it illegal right from the time of fertilization. Luckily, there’s help available for women who want a termination in states like Tennessee, so look for an abortion clinic Sydney for guidance on navigating this area.

State Access

Even though many states are looking to make abortion illegal, at the present time, there are no restrictions or legal complications for women who are looking to travel out of state to seek this treatment. There are also no legal issues if you return home and suffer from complications due to an issue with the abortion, so if you suspect an issue, don’t hesitate to get help.

At-Home Abortions

When it comes to medical abortions, which are safest when performed before twelve weeks, all that’s needed is a consultation and a prescription consisting of two pills.

Ergo, it’s possible and legal in the US to have what is called an “at-home” abortion. You’ll need to consult with a legitimate medical provider first, and, thankfully, doctors who are free to practice abortions in their state are legally allowed to send the medication by mail.

Of course, it’s worth noting that the medication can cause complications, such as excessive bleeding, damage to the womb, and even sepsis. If you suspect you have any of these after having a medical abortion, seek urgent medical advice.

Ectopic Pregnancy

It’s estimated that around every 1 in 90 pregnancies is ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when, rather than the fertilized egg moving to the uterine lining to begin growing, it attaches to the fallopian tube instead. Of course, the fallopian tube can’t sustain this, and as the pregnancy develops, it becomes more dangerous and life-threatening for the mother.

The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include discomfort on one side of the abdomen, bleeding, dizziness, and rectal pressure. So, if you’re pregnant and have any of these symptoms, seek medical help. Even in the states where abortion is now illegal, if your pregnancy is ectopic, you’ll be legally allowed to have a termination to save your own life.