The Real Impact of Abortion Bans on Women’s Lives and Futures

Abortion bans have been a central issue in many countries in the past couple of decades, putting the already sensitive topic of abortion at the forefront of passionate debates. They have deep, human meanings beyond politics and legalities and go to the core of women’s lives and futures.  It is necessary to think from the perspective of affected women to understand what they undergo.

The Struggles of Unplanned Pregnancy

Consider a young woman, perhaps barely twenty years old, full of dreams to complete her education and build a career before making one’s mark upon the world. But she eventually becomes pregnant under circumstances she wasn’t prepared for – may be due to failed contraception, or an abusive relationship.

Due to her inability to obtain safe and legal abortions, she is now forced to carry the pregnancy to term. This circumstance leads to dropping out of college or losing her job opportunities. Her entire life takes a different turn overnight. As she struggles with the immediate difficulties of raising a child she wasn’t prepared for, the dreams she once treasured may now seem like fantasies.

The Health Risks of Denied Abortions

For many women, pregnancy isn’t just a matter of choice; it’s a matter of survival. Some pregnancies come with serious medical complications and conditions that could threaten the woman’s life or leave her with long-term health issues. Doctors may face significant legal challenges as a result of abortion restrictions, which prevent them from taking action until a serious situation arises.

Imagine being forced to carry a pregnancy resulting from rape or sexual assault. For survivors of such trauma, the inability to terminate a pregnancy can increase their psychological distress, making their recovery slow or impossible.

Silencing Women

One of the harshest realities of abortion bans is the silencing of women’s voices. Decisions about their bodies are frequently made without concerns,  which has a significant impact on their futures.

The conversation around abortion bans is often framed in moral and religious terms, but at its core, it’s about dignity, autonomy, and choice. Women deserve the right to make decisions about their bodies based on their unique circumstances.

Experts such as Dr Niraj Mahajan, an abortion and cosmetic gynecology specialist, focus on listening to the specific needs and situations of women. Safe legal abortion and cosmetic gynecology procedures access is truly crucial for the protection of women’s health, autonomy, and ability to make choices throughout their lives.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Niraj Mahajan