Thankful for Roe

As a medical student, brother, friend and Pittsburgher, I am thankful every day that abortion services are a treatment available to the people I care for and about. To hear that this right is at stake makes me fear greatly for the well-being of women and familiesin our country.

According to the Guttmacher

Institute in 1965, prior to Roe v. Wade (1973), abortions accounted for one-sixth of all pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, and these are just according to official reports; the true numbers arelikely much higher.

Today, according to Planned Parenthood, by age 45, half of American women will have an unintended pregnancy, and nearly 1 in 4 will have an abortion. The psychological impact of childbearingby women not physicallyor emotionally prepared for pregnancy, not to mention cases ofrape or incest, is immeasurable andunconscionable.

When provided by a licensed center, abortions are safe with a fatality rate of 0.62 deaths per 100,000 live births according to the CDC. Regardless of age, background or educational level, the majority of Americans support Roe v. Wade and access to abortion services.

Roe v. Wade remains the law despite the recent leak of the Supreme Court decision. Do not hesitate to contact Planned Parenthood or the Resolve crisis line if your situation requires this. I urge you to speak up in support of abortion. Demand that our state and federal representatives move to enshrine this critical medical option to protect thewomen of our country.

JAD HILAL

South Side