Abstract

In 1973 the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade granted women the right to choose. This Supreme Court case made abortion legal throughout the United States. Prior to this case, abortion was illegal and unsafe. Many women died as a result of illegal abortions, but by making abortion accessible for all women it resulted in safer abortion access. However, anti-choice legislation has resulted in abortion becoming nearly inaccessible for all women. As a result of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey and the Hyde Amendment, these laws have placed limits on a women’s right to choose. Through state laws, such Target Regulation of Abortion Providers and the banning the use of federally funded insurances to cover abortion services, poor women are unable to access abortion services. As a result of these laws, the health and safety of women and children are at risk.

Women who were unable to have an abortion reported higher rates of domestic violence than those who had the procedure. The same groups of women were also found to be living at or below the federal poverty line two years after giving birth. It was also found that children living in states with stricter anti-choice laws had lower rates in regards to child well being and higher rates of abuse and mortality than children living in states that do not heavily restrict abortion services. In order to protect the health and safety of women and their children, abortion access should not be limited or restricted.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2018

Mentor

Christina B. Dewhurst

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Justice Studies

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Justice Studies

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