On Abortion and Autonomy: A Letter to My Unborn Daughter

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Reproductive Health Law
• Sociology of Medicine

Background:

• Experiences of physicians providing abortion care are shaped by state-level legal landscapes.
• Disparities in abortion access exist between states with protective laws and those with significant restrictions.
• The intersection of medical practice and personal experience in reproductive healthcare is a critical area of study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on and share personal and professional experiences of providing abortion care in two states with contrasting abortion laws.
• To emphasize the significance of accessible abortion services and the fundamental right to bodily autonomy.
• To offer a physician's perspective on the impact of restrictive abortion legislation.

Main Methods:

• A reflective narrative approach was employed, drawing from the author's dual role as a physician and a pregnant person.
• Qualitative insights were gathered from experiences in two geographically and legally distinct states.
• The narrative focuses on personal reflections and their implications for understanding abortion access.

Main Results:

• Providing abortion care in restrictive states presents unique challenges and ethical considerations for physicians.
• The legal environment significantly impacts the delivery of reproductive healthcare services.
• Personal experiences as a pregnant person underscore the universal importance of bodily autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Ensuring access to abortion care is crucial for upholding reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.
• Physician experiences highlight the need for legal frameworks that support comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
• Advocacy for abortion access is essential for equitable healthcare outcomes.