nahalz's Blog
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Anything Else You'd Like To Know ?
- Posted on 10.09.09
Abortion is a very hot topic, and I don't know if it'll ever stop causing commotion. The procedure is now completely legal and one of the most common medical procedure in the country.As a recent high school graduate I've witnessed many young women go through the struggle of abortion. I think it's very important to offer it as a personal choice and have it kept private. It was shocking for me to see an article about Oklahoma's new law which is to be implemented starting November 1st.
The law "requires physicians to disclose detailed information on women's abortions to the State's Department Of Health". The data collected will then be posted on a public website in an "Annual Abortion Report" for everyone to view. The women who decide to undergo the abortion will be forced to answer:
1. Date of abortion
2. County in which abortion performed
3. Age of mother
4. Marital status of mother (married, divorced, separated, widowed, or never married)
5. Race of mother
6. Years of education of mother (specify highest year completed)
7. State or foreign country of residence of mother
8. Total number of previous pregnancies of the mother
9. Number of pregnancies that ended in live births
10. Number of pregnancies that ended in miscarriages
11. Number of pregnancies that ended in induced abortions
The list goes on to a total of 37 questions that they will be forced to answer. Many argue that you are not required to post your name, and so you aren't really being exposed. However, if you are a small member in a community in Oklahoma your neighbors won't need your name to be able to identify you.
Upon reading this I was not only shocked but I also a little horrified. I couldn't believe that in the year 2009 something so ridiculous could still be asked of people. The thought of becoming pregnant one day and having to report all of these personal questions for everyone in my community to read is unfathomable. It's hard enough knowing an accident happened, hard enough to decide you don't want to keep what could become a child, and now to expose yourself about it all ? No way. Whatever happened to PRIVACY?
On a brighter note,former state Representative Wanda Jo Stapleton and Oklahoma resident Lora Joyce David have filed a lawsuit to prevent the abortion bill from going into effect, claiming that "it violates the state's constitution".
I'll be posting updates on how you can help.
Until next time,
Nahal
Related causes: Health, Human Rights, Youth
