She Strengthens

Breaking News: Texas Abortion Law Sparks Controversy

The recent signing of SB 8 by Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sparked a heated debate on abortion rights. This law bans abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for incest or rape. The legislation has been met with opposition from medical professionals, who argue that it interferes with the patient-physician relationship and puts bounties on healthcare workers.

Understanding Pregnancy Weeks

To understand the implications of this law, it’s essential to grasp how doctors count pregnancy weeks. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, and gestational age is counted from the first day of a person’s last menstrual cycle. This means that by the time someone misses their next menstrual cycle, they may already be more than 4 weeks pregnant.

The Risks of Abortion Restrictions

Laws that restrict abortion can lead to unsafe abortions, which contribute to 13% of maternal deaths worldwide. Moreover, restricting abortion doesn’t stop abortion; in fact, the abortion rate is slightly lower in countries where it is legal. Regions with access to abortion also tend to have better access to free contraception and initiatives to reduce unintended pregnancies.

Abortion Access Saves Lives

Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, legalized abortion in the United States. Since then, it has undoubtedly saved countless lives. In the early 1970s, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the number of illegal abortions decreased significantly, and the number of deaths associated with illegal procedures dropped from 39 to 5.

Resources for Those in Need

Several organizations are offering support and resources for those affected by the new law. These include The Buckle Bunnies Fund, TEA Fund, Fund Texas Choice, The Lilith Fund, and Jane’s Due Process. Additionally, Plan C provides mail-order options with instructions for mail forwarding.

COVID-19 Update

In other health news, the 7-day average of COVID-19 case counts has dipped, and there has been an uptick in vaccine dose administration. However, unvaccinated individuals are 11 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than those who are fully vaccinated. A new variant, Mu, has also been identified, but researchers are still studying its potential impact.

Vaccine Boosters and Third Shots

There has been confusion about vaccine boosters, third shots, and COVID-19 vaccines 2.0. To clarify, the FDA authorized COVID-19 third shots for immunocompromised individuals who meet specific criteria. Meanwhile, President Biden has announced a pending booster shot rollout plan for other individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The initial plan offers people a booster shot once they are 8 months out from their second shot.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

As the situation continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in abortion rights and COVID-19. By doing so, we can make informed decisions about our health and well-being.