Today in Non-News [Abortion!]
It really amuses me when we have to have research done for things that are pretty obvious, but are of a controversial nature for whatever reason (a’la eating during labour, gays serving in the military, etc). I understand why we have to have this research done, although I question whether those that would dispute the findings would find this a compelling reason to leave an intellectual position that they haven’t actually reasoned themselves into.
Today, we have a study that shows banning abortion doesn’t actually reduce the number of abortions that occur. As a bonus — increased availability of contraception tends to drop the total number of abortions that occurs. So the Operation Rescues of the world — please take note. In addition to insighting violence against those providing reproductive health care that women may be heartbroken to avail themselves of, you’re not actually effective. Those that wish to end an unwanted pregnancy will find a way to do so, even if it means using risky or life-harming methods.
Those of you who are uncomfortable with the idea of abortion — instead of fighting against abortion, spend your energy and money to support contraception education and availability. That will go miles to removing the need for abortion, even if you yourself choose to not avail yourself to certain methods of birth control.
Edited to Add from “Medical News Today“:
The [Guttmacher] report also highlights that:
- 40 per cent of the women in the world live in countries with highly restrictive abortion laws, nearly all in the developing world.
- For example 97 per cent of women of child-bearing age in Latin America, and 92 per cent in Africa, live in countries with highly restrictive abortion laws.
- These proportions have not changed much in the last 10 years.
- While the incidence of abortion closely follows that of unintended pregnancy, it does not coincide with the legal status of abortion.
- Instead, abortion rates appear to be about the same in regions where it is broadly legal and regions where it is highly restricted.
- But what is different is safety: illegal abortions carried out secretly cause significant harm to women, especially in developing countries, said the authors.
Tags: abortion, ban, contraception, Planned Parenthood
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October 15, 2009 at 10:07 pm
“It really amuses me when we have to have research done for things that are pretty obvious . . .”
I used to feel that way in my psychology classes. I’d read about a study that was done and think to myself, “no sh*t”.
But over the years, I see the value of studying the “obvious”.
Many people make a conjecture as though it were backed by facts. Many people present their faith as fact. And many things that are true are strange and counter intuitive.
So, the best way to ferret out the truth is to prove any conjecture as false. That process produces evidence for or against. So then, for those stubborn enough to fight against gay marriage, abortion right, gays in the military, separation of church and state, and so forth, can be shown verifiable supporting facts.
This still doesn’t constitute dogmatic proof, but you can now work towards an informed decision on issues where we are willing to learn more.
And for those who don’t want to consider supporting evidence in their thinking, well . . . you already know where they stand.
By the way, how’s your career transition coming? I haven’t been by your blog to visit in a while.
October 16, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Great, actually! It’s kind of one of those gigs where when I’m busy, I’m very very busy. I had a training this weekend, two new clients, and an established client give birth, so now I get to assist her. It’s good though, and I absolutely love it.
I’m just frustrated at so many of these “no shit sherlock” moments seem to be grounded in this really misplaced deference to religious thought. Abortion is bad (because these religions say so), and we can’t really have a good conversation about how this might or might not be the case, because no one acts rationally. So instead, we ban it (or in effect ban it, such as the Hyde Amendment and other laws that make it difficult to get this service), without thought of how this action effects the world. It’s just a vicious cycle and doesn’t work well for me.
November 2, 2009 at 11:38 pm
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