INSURANCE: Making a tough decision even tougher.
By Kate Diguglielmo, Staff Writer
One may be familiar with the terms “pro choice” and “pro life”, but what do these mean? Generally speaking, Being pro life is when one may believe abortion is immoral and ought to be illegal, while pro choice is the opposite. Pro choice means one believes women have the right to do whatever she may want with her own body.
Those who are pro choice have been working towards a fair abortion plan in the U.S. for decades. After finally achieving the right to legally have an abortion in 1973, abortion was still made difficult in many states. Even in the twenty-first century women still have trouble getting an abortion because of unnecasary obstacles. For instance, in nearly half the United States there are restrictions that prevent insurance providers from covering abortion, some states supporting this act are, Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and many more.
The concept of insurance restrictions is naive because it’s not stopping anyone, it only makes the process more difficult for people who are struggling. Women are already faced with a big decision when deciding whether they want to have an abortion or not, why would anyone want to make it harder? The average abortion procedure costs $1500. Many women aren’t able to afford it because they have other expenses like food and rent they need to pay for. If someone can’t afford to get an abortion because their insurance won’t cover the price, how can they be expected to afford to raise a child? A child oftentimes doubles household expenses, and in certain situations , can lead to a lack of income due to the mother needing to take care of the child.
Some may argue that there is a “great” system called Foster Care where the child could go if a mother or father didn’t want to keep her/him. However, Foster Care is overcrowded, and children are often placed into unsafe or uncomfortable situations. According to a study conducted by Derantany and Kosner Personal Injury Lawyers, at least 28% of kids are abused while in the foster care system, and that isn’t including those who don’t speak up. Those who are forced to give birth to their child and put her/him into Foster Care are leaving their child to wonder for the rest of their life why they were left behind.
Abortion should be a choice, and it shouldn’t be hindered by procedure costs. The decision should solely be based upon whether the woman wants to have a child or not. A woman should not be forced to keep a chicken that they can’t afford. Not allowing insurance can also lead to the dangers of someone performing the operation on their own or via an unlicensed practitioner. It’s unfair and naive to put restrictions on what should be a right. Women have worked so hard, and for what? To not be able to afford a procedure when they need it most? To not be able to make their own choice? It’s a person’s right to be able to do what they want with their body, why are women an exception?