Justice Kennedy’s CARHART Opinion Points Finger of Shame at American Women Who Have Had Abortions

Justice Kennedy’s opinion is filled with account after account of the of the later abortion procedure.  He specifically invites state and federal legislators to pass legislation requiring that a woman be given precise information “concerning the way in which the fetus will be killed,” because they are making a decision that has a profound and lasting meaning.  Emboldened by his invitation, state legislators are already proposing restrictive laws.  State and national pro-choice advocacy groups will vigorously oppose these proposed laws state by state, defeating most, but some will be passed, and, of those, some will survive on appeal, and go to the anti-choice Supreme Court.

Justice Kennedy admits that showing lurid photographs and reading anti-choice descriptions to women will discourage some from going through the procedure.  We know this enforced “informed consent” will cause psychological trauma to women who stand by their decision.  Abortion, especially later abortion, will be further stigmatized, creating a more repressed and shaming climate.  Legal prohibitions that now seem unthinkable will be proposed, and when and if they are passed, our right to choose abortion may be destroyed.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO STOP THIS STIGMATIZATION PROCESS?

• 
  
  
  Books, articles and letter to the editor about the circumstances that lead to women deciding to have abortions,




• 
  
  Public Speak outs about abortion,




• 
  
  Women sharing their abortion experiences,




• 
  
  Supporting feminist woman-controlled clinics.