Forced abortions are preventable
Working to protect the rights of women
The need for accountability |
It would only take a few minutes for abortion counselors to inquire of a pregnant woman: "Is someone else encouraging you to have this abortion? Do you want this abortion or are you doing it at the request of someone else? Are you feeling pressured to have this abortion by any other person? Are you feeling forced to abort because of violence, fear, threats or pressure? Do you feel any attachment to this pregnancy or any desire to keep it?"
These questions could prevent countless unwanted abortions. These questions can lead to referrals for family and intervention counseling, or shelters from abuse, which could help thousands of women avoid unwanted, coerced and forced abortions.
These questions can help save lives. By helping women avoid unwanted abortions we are helping them to welcome an unexpected baby into the world, one that she wants, even if her loved ones don't. And through good referrals, we can also help her find the resources and counseling she needs to convince her boyfriend, husband, parents, or other pressuring parties that they should respect her desires and welcome her child into their lives too.
With time, most people can adjust and welcome an "unexpected" baby into their lives.
But today, abortion providers are free to ignore these questions. And sadly, to save time during patient intake, most do.
The sad reality is that many abortion providers simply do abortions on request, no questions asked. Whenever they fail to screen for coercion or other risk factors, they are neglecting their obligation to their patients and missing the opportunity to help women in the ways they want and deserve.
To learn more about unwanted, coerced and forced abortions, download our 22-page Forced Abortion in America special report or fact sheet.
Americans are concerned about coercion |
Even though Americans have been kept in the dark about unwanted abortions, nearly half of voters surveyed believe coerced abortion is common. They would support leaders who advocate legislation holding abortionists liable for failing to screen for evidence of coercion.
The Prevention of Coerced and Unsafe Abortions Act simply defines that it is an act of medical negligence not to make at least a good faith effort to screen for evidence of coercion. It further provides that only the woman can hold the abortion provider accountable for any failure to do proper screening. This act does not interfere with the private decision of a woman and her doctor. But it does allow women to better hold doctors accountable for providing adequate screening and counseling.
To learn more about this bill, and how you can help, visit www.stopforcedabortions.com.
