SSN Commentary

Georgia’s Abortion Pill Bill Wouldn’t Only Harm Women Seeking the Service

Policy field

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Emory University

Originally published as "Georgia’s Abortion Pill Bill Wouldn’t Only Harm Women Seeking the Service," Think, December 1, 2021.

Forty-nine years ago, the Supreme Court gave women the legal right to bodily autonomy. To plan our families so we can welcome children when we are ready. To have control over our economic and career destinies. To have access to safe and optimal health care.

When I started my training as an OB-GYN in 1989, my professors, pointing to the women's wards, explained that before Roe v. Wade, the beds were full of women injured from illegal abortions. It had been 16 years since the ruling, and my fellow residents and I were grateful to learn how to provide safe, legal abortions — then and now considered essential care for obstetrics and gynecology services. Medical residents with religious or moral objections can opt out of this training.