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I agree with the June 23 column in the BDN when the opinion contributor writes, “Abortion access is about more than whether a service is technically legal, it is about whether a person can actually get that care when they need it.” While some might make the argument that there is an ethical obligation to preventing abortions, there are other factors that need to be considered.
Sometimes there are situations in which continuing with a pregnancy could jeopardize the well-being of an expecting parent. This could especially be the case with the condition of the current healthcare system. There is no question that there is a current issue with the number of healthcare providers available in these institutions. This in conjunction with rising costs associated with facility closures and quality of care concerns makes for a difficult situation to say the least.
Without considering the current state of the healthcare system we are ignoring a vital care resource for expecting parents. When thinking about the overturning of Roe v. Wade there needs to be more resources available to help provide safe care, no matter what the choice. If we do not do so we are neglecting our responsibility to help safeguard the wellbeing of the expecting parent and their family.
Whether you agree with the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade or not, we should all be working together to ensure there are safe environments in healthcare facilities. Those who are expecting deserve the best care possible. Also, those yet to be born deserve to have a mother alive and well after they are born.
Ben Bucklin
Searsport