New Oklahoma abortion law burdensome for women

The following letter-to-the-editor was published in The Daily Oklahoman on 5/15/15

 
New abortion law burdensome for women

Increasing the waiting period for women seeking abortion care from 24 to 72 hours clearly demonstrates that anti-choice politicians in Oklahoma don’t respect women or their ability to make decisions, and don’t understand the realities of women’s lives.

Women carefully consider their options before they make an appointment to obtain abortion care. They understand the choice they are making, and don’t need to be subjected to a burdensome, medically unnecessary, state-mandated 72-hour waiting period before they can access the care they need. As a result of this 72-hour waiting period, a woman may have to delay her care, particularly if she has to take time off from work, arrange for child care, travel a long way, and perhaps stay overnight in a different city.

The decision to seek abortion care is one that is best made by a woman and those she trusts. Politicians should not intrude on these private medical decisions.

Vicki Saporta, Washington, D.C.

Saporta is president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation.

Learn more about waiting periods and other Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers (TRAP laws).