Introduction
The Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey case, resulted in women’s basic liberties being overtaken by the state’s interests. As a result, states can continue to restrict a women from having an abortion after their interpretation of when fetal viability occurs. The court’s ruling ultimately is unconstitutional, as the basic reproductive rights have been taken away from women. The state’s interest in the development of unborn fetuses, along with their interpretations of when viability occurs, ultimately infringes upon women’s liberties that are granted by the fourteenth amendment. Therefore, it is imperative that states eradicate any restrictions preventing women from being the sole determinate in the outcome of their unborn fetus(s) until after its birth. Effects of Forced Motherhood
The mother-child relationship (PCR) is indispensable to the development of children. However, unwanted childbearing is a complex issue and poses a great threat to the relationship — as it includes psychological, economic, social, emotional factors that can negatively effect the well-being of a family. Psychologically, for the mother, unwanted pregnancy has been associated with depression and self-destructive behavior (Grimes, 2015). Economically, families of mothers who were denied abortions were less likely to be employed full-time and more than likely to be living in poverty (Foster, 2012). During the Turnaway Study, nearly one-thousand women who had been denied abortions were followed for five years in order to socioeconomic consequences of abortion compared to unwanted births (Foster, 2012). At the start of the study, researchers found no financial differences between women who had abortions and those who were denied. However, one year later, seventy-six percent of those who were denied abortions, while the forty-four percent of those were not were receiving public assistance and had a household income below the federal poverty line (Foster, 2012). Moreover, poor economic well-being correlates directly to low social connectedness, as parents are forced to work longer hours disabling them from engaging in social activities. Furthermore, the Turnaway Study found that eight-six percent of those who were denied abortions had been still living with the baby, while eleven percent had placed their child for adoption (Foster, 2012). While eleven percent is a relatively small percentage, addressing developmental issues surrounding children placed in foster care is essential to this discussion. Foster care was designed to create an improved environment for distressed children; however, it is also know to derail the development of children. First, overwhelming feelings of rejection and loss can hinder foster care children from creating trusting and long-term relationships (Lawerance, 2006). Secondly, the onset of anxiety, depression, and behavior problems were present within forty-six percent of children, who had been in foster care for at least one year (Lawernce, 2006). Currently, in the United States, nearly half a million children experience foster care (Grimes, 2015). Forced childbearing, only contributes to this growing amount. Although foster care was designed to alleviate negative environments for children, it is not sufficient in ensuring the proper development of them. Fetal Rights States across the United States have gone to great lengths in order to define viability and protect the potential life of unborn fetuses. …show more content…
In the 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, courts ruled that state laws limiting abortion to rape and life threatening complications, was unconstitutional and violated women’s liberties. However, states were allowed to restrict abortions once the fetus reached the point of viability. This decision was justified based on idea that states were preserving the life of an unborn child, which led fetal rights. Currently, many states have the right to enact laws to amend homicide statutes to include fetuses, define fetus as human being; and permit civil law suits for causing harm to a fetus (LSRJ, 2009). Many argue that these rights infringe on the liberties of women. However, despite objections, states recognize fetal rights, because it is the child’s “legal right to begin life with a sound mind and body” (UA, n.d.). Consequences of Fetal Rights Fetal laws ultimately separates fetus and mother, while the fetus continues to live inside of the woman’s womb. This is interesting, because the woman’s rights are override and she is viewed as only a tool to deliver a potentially healthy child. In a sense, she is being held hostage until the
The Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey case, resulted in women’s basic liberties being overtaken by the state’s interests. As a result, states can continue to restrict a women from having an abortion after their interpretation of when fetal viability occurs. The court’s ruling ultimately is unconstitutional, as the basic reproductive rights have been taken away from women. The state’s interest in the development of unborn fetuses, along with their interpretations of when viability occurs, ultimately infringes upon women’s liberties that are granted by the fourteenth amendment. Therefore, it is imperative that states eradicate any restrictions preventing women from being the sole determinate in the outcome of their unborn fetus(s) until after its birth. Effects of Forced Motherhood
The mother-child relationship (PCR) is indispensable to the development of children. However, unwanted childbearing is a complex issue and poses a great threat to the relationship — as it includes psychological, economic, social, emotional factors that can negatively effect the well-being of a family. Psychologically, for the mother, unwanted pregnancy has been associated with depression and self-destructive behavior (Grimes, 2015). Economically, families of mothers who were denied abortions were less likely to be employed full-time and more than likely to be living in poverty (Foster, 2012). During the Turnaway Study, nearly one-thousand women who had been denied abortions were followed for five years in order to socioeconomic consequences of abortion compared to unwanted births (Foster, 2012). At the start of the study, researchers found no financial differences between women who had abortions and those who were denied. However, one year later, seventy-six percent of those who were denied abortions, while the forty-four percent of those were not were receiving public assistance and had a household income below the federal poverty line (Foster, 2012). Moreover, poor economic well-being correlates directly to low social connectedness, as parents are forced to work longer hours disabling them from engaging in social activities. Furthermore, the Turnaway Study found that eight-six percent of those who were denied abortions had been still living with the baby, while eleven percent had placed their child for adoption (Foster, 2012). While eleven percent is a relatively small percentage, addressing developmental issues surrounding children placed in foster care is essential to this discussion. Foster care was designed to create an improved environment for distressed children; however, it is also know to derail the development of children. First, overwhelming feelings of rejection and loss can hinder foster care children from creating trusting and long-term relationships (Lawerance, 2006). Secondly, the onset of anxiety, depression, and behavior problems were present within forty-six percent of children, who had been in foster care for at least one year (Lawernce, 2006). Currently, in the United States, nearly half a million children experience foster care (Grimes, 2015). Forced childbearing, only contributes to this growing amount. Although foster care was designed to alleviate negative environments for children, it is not sufficient in ensuring the proper development of them. Fetal Rights States across the United States have gone to great lengths in order to define viability and protect the potential life of unborn fetuses. …show more content…
In the 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, courts ruled that state laws limiting abortion to rape and life threatening complications, was unconstitutional and violated women’s liberties. However, states were allowed to restrict abortions once the fetus reached the point of viability. This decision was justified based on idea that states were preserving the life of an unborn child, which led fetal rights. Currently, many states have the right to enact laws to amend homicide statutes to include fetuses, define fetus as human being; and permit civil law suits for causing harm to a fetus (LSRJ, 2009). Many argue that these rights infringe on the liberties of women. However, despite objections, states recognize fetal rights, because it is the child’s “legal right to begin life with a sound mind and body” (UA, n.d.). Consequences of Fetal Rights Fetal laws ultimately separates fetus and mother, while the fetus continues to live inside of the woman’s womb. This is interesting, because the woman’s rights are override and she is viewed as only a tool to deliver a potentially healthy child. In a sense, she is being held hostage until the