25 years of Roe

Abortion rights still need protection

Twenty-five years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against an anti-abortion law in Texas, stating that it violated women's constitutional right to privacy - arguably one of the most important and controversial judicial decisions in the last 30 years. Heated debate surrounded the groundbreaking Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973 and similar arguments persist today. With the ruling, the court opened the door for all women in the country to have an absolute right to an abortion in the first three months of pregnancy. Although women are now able to have an abortion after the first trimester of pregnancy, the open door that sparked great controversy regarding the conception of life has closed somewhat through the years. Even though this anniversary calls our attention to the decision, the University community must not lose sight of the fact that the pro-life movement has been quite successful in implementing its agenda over the past few years - a trend that must be curbed to maintain women's rights.

On a national level, President Clinton has been fairly successful in repealing anti-abortion regulations and vetoing legislation, passed by Congress, designed to scale back the use of abortion. In 1993, Clinton lifted the "gag rule" that forbade doctors in federally funded clinics from mentioning abortion as an option to patients. Recently, the president vetoed a "partial-birth" abortion bill because it lacked a necessary provision to allow the procedure if the mother's health was in danger. A vital issue to many abortion advocates is the expansion of Medicaid to fund abortion for women who cannot afford to have one - the nation should not return to the days of back-alley abortions.

Across the country, states have had more success scaling back various aspects of abortions - a trend that threatens women's autonomy in making decisions about their own bodies. By last October, 15 states had outlawed late-term abortions. Michigan should not be the next state on that list - the state House of Representatives will take up the issue when it reconvenes in February. Pro-life forces are no longer attacking the Roe v. Wade ruling but are trying to ban various abortion procedures, forcing the legal boundaries to close in on the right to choose. Many states have inappropriately engaged in various scare tactics and have placed obstacles, like waiting periods and parental consent for minors, in the path of women seeking abortions. This disturbing movement is in large response to the political pressure exerted by powerful conservative groups that are trying to legislate morality. Medical decisions should not be made by elected officials hiding behind a political mask of family values but by trained medical professionals.

Students groups will be holding several events on campus today in support of abortion rights. A rally will be held on the Diag at noon and a speech will be delievered in the Modern Language Building Auditorium 4 at 6 p.m. With the nation in the midst of serious abortion rollback, it is important for students to take part in these activities and educate themselves about the controversial issues surrounding women's right to choose.

The events celebrating the ruling's 25th anniversary should serve as a reminder of the significance of Roe v. Wade and be a wake-up call to the community of the need to protect women's right to choose. Lawmakers should make efforts to fight back against the new, subtler assault on abortion. Abortion-rights supporters must have a sense of urgency and go on the offensive. The pro-choice movement should make every effort to prevent a further erosion of a woman's right to her body.

01-22-98