Something that I didn’t realize is that this might have a far more limited impact than most people on both sides think. First, most abortions already occur in states that have liberal abortion laws, simply because of how the population of the US is distributed. Second, chemical abortifacients will extend access to abortion across state lines. Who’s to say how a pregnancy ended? Third, physical abortion providers in permissive states are already adapting to provide abortions for travelers from other states. While some states have moved to criminalize travel to obtain an abortion, this violates freedom of movement rights guaranteed by the US Constitution. Kavanaugh explicitly in his concurrence called out freedom of movement as a right he would vote to protect. Between him and the liberal justices, there just needs one more justice. Given how well founded freedom of movement is, that is an easy feat.
This isn’t about the number of abortions though. This is about access as a right for everyone. Not just for people who are born in the right place. Not just for those with the time and money to travel hundreds of miles. Oh, and the effectiveness of pills isn’t high enough that I would want to have to gamble on it.
I fully agree. I am most concerned with those with the least ability to obtain a reliable abortion, nor care for a child if the pregnancy does come to term. On top of all that, the states that most restrict abortion are often the ones with the thinnest safety net for forced birth.
Something that I didn’t realize is that this might have a far more limited impact than most people on both sides think. First, most abortions already occur in states that have liberal abortion laws, simply because of how the population of the US is distributed. Second, chemical abortifacients will extend access to abortion across state lines. Who’s to say how a pregnancy ended? Third, physical abortion providers in permissive states are already adapting to provide abortions for travelers from other states. While some states have moved to criminalize travel to obtain an abortion, this violates freedom of movement rights guaranteed by the US Constitution. Kavanaugh explicitly in his concurrence called out freedom of movement as a right he would vote to protect. Between him and the liberal justices, there just needs one more justice. Given how well founded freedom of movement is, that is an easy feat.
This isn’t about the number of abortions though. This is about access as a right for everyone. Not just for people who are born in the right place. Not just for those with the time and money to travel hundreds of miles. Oh, and the effectiveness of pills isn’t high enough that I would want to have to gamble on it.
I fully agree. I am most concerned with those with the least ability to obtain a reliable abortion, nor care for a child if the pregnancy does come to term. On top of all that, the states that most restrict abortion are often the ones with the thinnest safety net for forced birth.