Something of concern to me, as we reflect on Roe v. Wade, is the overall health care of women. Last Saturday, Jan. 22, marked the 49th anniversary of the passage of Roe v. Wade, yet Republicans in some states are passing draconian laws against a woman’s right to choose. What isn’t being talked about is the dismantling of clinics that provide health care to young women. The result of these laws is that these clinics cannot survive. There are currently states that no longer have clinics, and it is becoming increasingly harder for women to get affordable and easily accessible medical care in these states.
At the age of 14, I sought care at a Planned Parenthood health center. My parents didn’t think my complaints of pain and excessive bleeding were enough to seek the care of a physician. Thankfully, my friend did, and she urged me to go to Planned Parenthood. She held my hand through my first appointment (first of many). I was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia/precancerous cells. I received care and treatment on three occasions throughout my teen years at Planned Parenthood that literally saved my life. This early intervention allowed me to have three healthy babies later on in my life.
There are negative effects that these harmful laws create that many people just don’t see or choose not to acknowledge. Republican policies that attempt to control women’s bodies are literally putting women’s lives at risk. We need the Women’s Health Protection Act now. The politicians you vote for could literally save your life, so choose wisely and vote blue in 2022.
This article was adapted from a thread that originally appeared on Twitter.
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