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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CAU chapter.

On Monday, March 19th, 2018 Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a new bill into law that prohibits abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. No exception for rape or incest.

Bryant states, “I was proud to sign the House Bill 1510 this afternoon. I am committed to making Mississippi the safest place in America for an unborn child, and this bill will help us achieve the goal.”

 

Now….Why is it always that men making laws concerning the woman body?

Men without a uterus, a female reproductive system, or ovaries.

Realistically, it takes a man and a woman to procreate but the woman is carrying the child. Why is the decision of what happens to a woman’s baby, in the hand of the person who is not carrying the child? Just because abortions are becoming illegal after 15 weeks, does not mean it will stop women from finding ways to so. Governor Bryant states that he is “committed to making Mississippi the safest place in America for an unborn child,” but he is doing so at the risk of the mental health of women by disregarding forced pregnancies from rape. If the woman carrying the child is not in the mental state to take care of the child, the child will end up in the adoption system. In regards to the women that this bill applies to, within the 9 months that they are carrying the child, they would be carrying children that are the product of rape. All because a man has made a law without concern for the mental, physical or emotional health of the women at hand. 

 

Let’s look at some statistics:

  • 38% of victims of sexual violence experience work or school problems, which can include significant problems with a boss, coworker, or peer.

  • 79% of survivors who were victimized by a family member, close friend or acquaintance experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress, or increased problems at work or school.

Passing this law, Governor Bryant doesn’t care about the situation to which women are put in after being denied abortions. Women should have the right to decide what happens to their body. The US Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade gave women right to abortion (under certain conditions). So as Governor Bryant signed this bill, he ignored said court case.

What makes it your right to dictate what someone should be able to do with their body? No matter your opinion or abortion, pro-life or pro-choice…How would you feel if someone was telling you that you’re not allowed to get an abortion, even if it is taking a toll on you mentally, emotionally, or physically? Just because it isn’t legal doesn’t mean women won’t find a way to do so. There are many underground routes for this. Sadly, this is just another systematic attack on women and it is upsetting to see how our country hasn’t progressed much from the 1970’s.

Hello, My name is Carlina Lominy. I am a graduating senior Political Science major at THE Illustrious Clark Atlanta University. I am originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and enjoy reading and writing! You’ll often find me with my head in my books, and/or doing research.