Health

The Truth About Late-Term Abortions: Separating Fact from Fiction

courtesy of kffhealthnews.org

Do Abortion Rights Supporters Really Advocate for Abortions Until Birth?

It’s a claim frequently made by antiabortion lawmakers, but is it true? According to Sen. Tim Scott and other opponents of abortion rights, allowing abortions up until the day of birth is unethical and immoral. However, experts argue that this claim is misleading and mischaracterizes the views of abortion rights supporters.

Ohio Election Results Shake Abortion Opponents

The recent Ohio election, in which voters approved a constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, has left abortion opponents reeling. This, combined with other election results, raises questions about the acceptance of post-15-week abortion bans in less conservative parts of the country.

Dispelling the Myth of Last-Minute Abortions

Contrary to popular belief, the number of abortions performed after viability is extremely low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 1 percent of abortions occur after 21 weeks, and the majority of those are before 24 weeks. The idea of abortions taking place at "the time of birth" is largely a misconception.

Why Some Women Seek Abortions Later in Pregnancy

While late-term abortions are rare, there are reasons why some women may choose this option. Medical sociologist Katrina Kimport, one of the nation’s top experts on abortions later in pregnancy, explains that women may opt for a later abortion due to new health information or barriers they faced in accessing earlier care.

The Complexity and Cost of Late-Term Abortions

Performing an abortion later in pregnancy is a complex and costly procedure. It often requires multiple days and can involve a full labor and delivery. The cost can reach up to $30,000, which may or may not be covered by health insurance. These factors make late-term abortions emotionally complicated for women who undergo them.

Politicians Insulting Women's Decision-Making

Women who have had late-term abortions feel insulted by politicians who mischaracterize their decision-making. These women have faced unique circumstances and barriers that led them to choose a later abortion. They argue that their choices should be respected and not used as a talking point in political debates.

The Future of the Abortion Debate

Despite the misconceptions surrounding late-term abortions, antiabortion forces are unlikely to abandon this talking point. Public support for abortion declines as the pregnancy progresses, which gives opponents of abortion rights a powerful argument. The ongoing debate over abortion will continue to shape the political landscape in the United States.

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