On the surface, the decision to overturn Roe v Wade is not necessarily bad. Other countries like Australia also don’t federally protect or mandate that abortion healthcare has to exist. In Australia, however, that only means that each state has created their own pro-abortion stance and set of laws. These laws are all very similar and collectively ensure that pregnant patients around the country have access to safe abortion care.
The Sad Reality of Abortion Care in Many States
You can go to a top abortion clinic Sydney location and get an elective abortion for up to 24 weeks. If the mother’s life is at risk, abortion can be carried out further. There are several states that currently have similar protections, but it is important to note that those states are now in the minority when looking at the overall United States.
What’s telling, of course, is that the top ten wealthiest states in America all allow for abortion. In some cases, abortion is legal up until 24 weeks. In others, it’s “until viability,” which essentially means until the fetus can survive outside of its parent on its own.
What the state of abortion care in the United States means, once again, is that it is a class issue. Lower-income states are the ones more likely to restrict abortion care. In those states, the wealthy still have the means and funds to go to a safe haven state (or country like Australia) to get the abortion done there.
This leaves lower-income residents stuck. Naturally, states that have restricted abortion have not simultaneously increased support for these new children. So, what are providers doing currently to help you? It depends on the state.
Safe Haven States and Countries for Safe, Legal Abortion Care
There are several levels of safe havens when it comes to abortion care. At a minimum, a state needs to legally allow for abortions, regardless of whether that’s to viability or up to 24 weeks. However, the higher tiers of safe havens ensure your cost is also covered.
This is critical since the Hyde Amendment means that those on Medicaid cannot get coverage for abortion on a federal level. States must step up and cover that cost for their citizens separately. Currently, sixteen states offer Medicaid coverage. Only six require all private insurance plans to also cover the cost.
Those states aren’t the only place one can get abortion care. Currently, over 60 countries, from Canada to Australia, allow abortion.
What Providers Are Doing to Help You
There are a few things that providers are doing to help those in safe haven states, and outside of these states, including:
- Advocate for Abortion as Healthcare
- Offer Safe and Effective Healthcare
- Provide Financial Assistance
- Protect Patience from Harassment
- Provide Essential Health and Emotional Aftercare
Greater advocacy, and a review of laws, are essential to help give women of reproductive age choice and agency over their bodies. This includes countries like the UK, where abortion is legal, but the laws are over 100 years old, and require essential updating.
