"Timeouts" for grown women

by generaldecay | May 13, 2009 at 11:31 am

194 views | 55 Recommendations | 14 comments

Twenty-four states currently have laws requiring women to receive counseling (or, more accurately, "counseling") and then wait, usually for 24 hours, before they can obtain an abortion.

I didn't even know about this. It is the case, as above, the 24 US states legally oblige women who want to have an abortion to have counselling and then wait for 24 hours before they have the procedure. This law has no positive effect whatsoever for the woman. But it does have some rather worrying negative effects:

"Mandatory counseling and waiting period laws that require an additional in-person visit before the procedure likely increase both the personal and the financial costs of obtaining an abortion, thereby preventing some women from accessing abortion services."

As it says in the piece, this law was put forward under the guise of 'informed consent' (and probably some feigned interest in the mental health of the woman) but, to me, it's nothing more than a process designed to shame and humiliate women into deciding not to have abortions. Further, it places what is very likely a large financial burden on women, many of whom have limited access to abortion to begin with. It is obstructionism, pure and simple.

Bottom line, "These laws are intended primarily to block abortion access," says Guttmacher co-author Lawrence Finer, adding that "the most disadvantaged women, who already have trouble accessing services, are disproportionately affected."

Welcome to the patriarchy.

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Tina Kells

at 12:49 on May 13th, 2009

I'm not sure which this is more; shocking or sad. Abortion is a hot button issue for sure, but I'd like to see a more level playing field that arbitrarily holds fathers as accountable. In a world without choice for women men should be forced to take DNA tests and pay child support to the tune of a full 50% of the childcare and living costs of the children they help create.

Paschen

at 17:46 on May 13th, 2009

If we would be an equal right society, that gives Woman the right to have abortions with out the fathers consent, then we have to give the Fathers the same right in refusing paternity. This of course with in the same time lines then the legal abortions time line and providing he is informed right away and not a year after birth with a law suit.

Surprise, surprise, you are a father now and will have to pay more for one child and its mother, then would you be married and have 4 kids, yet you have no say in the matter nor will you ever get custody of that child and if you want to see it better get a very well paying job so you can afford a permanent and personal lawyer.

generaldecay

at 05:38 on May 14th, 2009

The big difference being that it is the woman who has to have the child - it is her body which is being invaded by something she doesn't want. That's why men don't need to be informed about abortions - it's not their body so their knowledge or consent is not neccessary.

Paschen

at 06:17 on May 14th, 2009

I am sorry generaldecay, but you are missing the point here. I have nothing against the idea that a woman wants to have full right over her body.

If so, then Man will have to be given equal rights and be able to refuse paternity.

generaldecay

at 09:05 on May 14th, 2009

No, I got the point - I just disagree with it. I don't see that it's an equal issue - comparing a man's right to refuse paternity and a woman's right to have an abortion is like, what is the saying... comparing apples and oranges. What is at stake for the woman is her body and her right to choose what she wants to do with it. I don't see the parallel between that and a man's right to refuse paternity. I can see how you do, but as a woman, I don't believe that those situations could never be aligned.

Amy Judd

at 13:03 on May 13th, 2009

I think the option of having someone to talk to is great, but I don't believe it should be mandatory at all - that doesn't make sense to me.

generaldecay

at 05:39 on May 14th, 2009

Yes, if it's asked for, it's great - making it obligatory is just 0bstructionist and sure to make a bad situation worse.

Thanks for the recommendation and comment, Amy.

sara star

at 15:05 on May 13th, 2009

Counselling can help a woman receive support no matter what decision she makes, but I don't think it should be mandatory, especially if it government appointed.

generaldecay

at 05:43 on May 14th, 2009

Yes, counselling if asked for can be very helpful; but it should not be imposed.

Thansk for the recommendation and comment, sara.

Sputnic

at 04:07 on May 14th, 2009

We probably all know someone that has had an abortion and still thinks of it with regret and remorse 15 / 20 years later. I know someone who turned to drink and comfort shagging as a way of running away from bad memorys. Having advice on such an important issue is a good thing. Better access to birth control is a very good idea. A woman should have the right to choose that much is true, making a documentary, for example, telling women of the emotional horrors of abortion is not taking away womens self determination it is telling them to engage their brains before the event and use contraception. It could be cheaper too

generaldecay

at 05:45 on May 14th, 2009

Access to birth control is very important because, in many countries, it's almost impossible for many women to afford contraception.

... it is telling them to engage their brains before the event and use contraception.

Surely this doesn't just apply to women?

Sputnic

at 11:23 on May 14th, 2009

Its a good idea to be prepared before the event though ! While you have a clear head Contraception is a duel responsibility within reason, but in the heat of the moment as a teenager or whatever that is not really what is on your mind. It is terrible that people in many countries cannot have access to contraception, this US law, if used in conjunction with appropriate funding, is a good thing

generaldecay

at 11:32 on May 14th, 2009

Appropriate funding is certainly important. Just to be clear, though, the law in question here is about mandatory counselling before an abortion, and not about contraception.

Barbara McPherson

at 08:57 on May 15th, 2009

The decision to have a safe abortion should be a difficult one, but because the woman carries the health burden and any ensuing monetary costs she should be allowed to make that decision without harassment.