What makes abortion such a polarizing issue? Is it just another form of birth control? Is it a reproductive right? Is it bodily autonomy? Is it any different than a choice to get a tattoo, color your hair, remove a skin tag, choosing to get a piercing? Is there a second life to consider? It is often difficult to find accurate information on abortion. Watching the news I have yet to see a first, second, or third trimester abortion, yet to see documentation of fetal development. An informed opinion cannot be made without knowing what an abortion actually does and understanding prenatal development.

Bodily autonomy, a term used frequently to defend abortion rights, is defined as self governing one’s own body, the power to make choices about your own body. Pregnancy results from sexual intercourse. It is a personal choice to exercise bodily autonomy by choosing to use birth control. The other choice is to take the risk of a pregnancy. Abortion is not a contraceptive. Abortion does not prevent pregnancy, it prevents a live birth. Is abortion a choice made for another? A pregnant woman is told to avoid smoking, drinking, drugs and exposure to lead. The mother drinks alcohol and the child may be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The mother uses drugs and the child has a higher chance of disabilities. Lead may hurt the baby’s brain, kidneys, nervous system, and cause behavior problems.

Prenatal care provides huge benefits for both patients, mother and child. Prenatal surgery can be performed when the child is still in the womb. Amazingly, surgeons have removed the baby from the womb, corrected a medical problem and replaced the child back in the womb to continue growing.

There are people who have survived an abortion attempt, sometimes with missing limbs, cerebral palsy, or other disabilities. How does one explain bodily autonomy to abortion survivors?

The media continues to use scare tactics and outlier examples to support abortion. A 10-year old rape victim forced to have a child. Not true. Women denied necessary treatment for ectopic pregnancies or miscarriage. Not true. Abortion limits do not criminalize women. If fact, abortion usually protects/enables the rapist and the sex trafficker, not the victim. As the election nears, evaluate the information being disseminated about abortion. Are both sides represented with equal time? Is the public being mislead by the omission of information. The overturn of Roe v. Wade did not outlaw abortion or criminalize women. Vasectomies and the increased use of birth control are results of the latest court decision, not women in prison.

Is it possible to find a compromise that respects both mother and child? Can there be some protections for young developing lives? Are the only options, abortion on demand until birth or a total ban on all abortions? Is there some common ground? Abortions permitted in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother? Abortions allowed through the first trimester of pregnancy?

Protections for preborns when a fetal heartbeat is present, or when the fetus can feel pain? Limiting abortion to 12 weeks or 15 weeks into the pregnancy? Can we increase maternal supports, expand medical care, fund adoption costs, and offer free and accessible birth control?

There are two polarizing positions – abortion allowed until the moment of birth or abortion banned from the moment of conception. Most people fall somewhere in between. Name calling and labeling others as “forced birthers” or “baby killers” might be helpful in fundraising letters, but not helpful in meaningful conversations. It is time to rationally debate, thoughtfully listen, and carefully consider both sides of the issue.

One political party supports abortion until the moment of birth. The other political party supports limits on abortion. As you listen to the election rhetoric, hear what the ads are not telling you. There is something different about abortion.

Linda Burroughs is a Russell resident.