*TRIGGER WARNING*
Here it is; the end of humanity for Alabama and possibly medical legislature. Just when you think some things would never take a step back, you’re wrong. In a startlingly new piece of info, the Alabama Senate is attempting to pass a law which states that no doctor, nurse, counselor or lab technician is required to help a woman undergoing a medical emergency involving pregnancy. Yeah, that’s right. Even if it comes down to life-risking health injuries or future fertility issues, they can refuse to offer her the medical attention she needs to end the pregnancy. And according to sources, along with the bill is a clause stating that not only do they not have to help, but they can’t be held responsible for anything that happens to the woman. Apparently, the house has already passed the bill and it could be approved any day.
I had a look at the infamous AL HB31 myself, in order to find the reasoning behind this new bill; and it simply states “It is the public policy of the State of Alabama to respect and protect the fundamental right of conscience of individuals who provide health care services.” Oh, so I’m supposed to protect and respect the conscience of Dr. Doctor, but not supposed to respect a woman in needs LIFE? They even go on to say that “it is the purpose of this act to prohibit discrimination, disqualification, or coercion upon providers who decline to perform service that violates their conscience.” As long as they have it down in writing beforehand.
Reflecting on this new bill, I wonder to myself- how the hell could we take this kind of step back? Where are the medical ethics of “do no harm” and “always act in the best interest of the patient” ending up? At this point, I’m wondering who to be angrier at, the legislation or the doctors willing to slam the door into women’s faces across all the hospitals and medical institutions of Alabama. As a person, I can positively say something is very wrong here.
The question here is not for or against abortion, it is about the protection of a woman’s life being fatally threatened and not having the ability to seek attention for help. So now, with this bill, is the government one step closer to locking down female’s bodies into a way where they can’t even control their most private matters?
Having to deal with a miscarriage is heartbreaking. It tears families apart and breaks emotions. It is indescribably painful and difficult. Nothing can change that. But now in Alabama, if that becomes an emergency which threatens mom’s life too – I’m sorry. There’s nothing we can do.
ShoutOut! James Madison University 