In the pivotal court decision, Roe v. Wade, in 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that women have the right to obtain a safe, legal abortion within the first 24 weeks (or within the second trimester) of pregnancy. Recently, the State of Tennessee passed a law requiring that adolescents involve their parent or legal guardian in their abortion decision. Over the past years since Roe v Wade, several organizations have tried to strip women of their right to obtain safe abortions. In many states, abortion rights have become more restrictive with laws such as parental or spousal consent and state-mandated waiting periods between the time a woman is counseled in person about abortion at a clinic and the time she actually has her procedure done. Further, the climate in the United States surrounding this issue of a woman's right to choose whether to bear a child has become increasingly hostile and violent. In the past few years, we have witnessed several killings of abortion doctors, clinic staff, and those who volunteer their time as escorts at clinics because they believe access to abortion is fundamental to women's freedom. It appears that this violence is growing as more abortion protesters advocate the use of misinformation, force, coercion, and violence to further their cause.

By examining our history, we know that making abortion illegal would neither eliminate the need for it, nor would it prevent its practice. Women will still get abortions, but their safety will be at risk and the stigma they already face will increase making honest communication between a woman and her partner, her family, and even her doctor less likely. In the 1950's, one million illegal abortions were done each year and over 100 women died each year as a result. It was very common for a woman to get an infection due to an unsterile environment or instruments and many women found themselves sterile or in chronic pain. As a society, we have an obligation to women and their families to never go back to those days. We encourage you to speak out about your belief in a woman's right to choose. Call or write your Congressman or Senators and let them know your opinion. Every call or letter lends a hand in helping us keep abortion, and those that provide it, safe.