Alexis Rinere, Contributing Writer
arr5887@psu.edu

United States Senator Lindsey Graham proposed a 15 week abortion ban on September 13, 2022. This bill proposes that abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy should be outlawed nationally. Graham has made the most prominent effort to restrict the procedure since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in June.
Speaking out at a news conference he said the only exception to an abortion after 15 weeks should be in the case of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. This statement itself shows that the only time women should be allowed to make this eminent decision is when they are violated or in danger. This bill holds almost no chance at being passed as the Democrats currently hold the majority in Congress. However, the overturning of Roe v. Wade was intended to leave abortion laws to the state. This proposed bill does not support that decision, but instead takes away the state’s verdict on abortion laws almost completely.
During the overturning of Roe, Graham and other republicans, supported the overturn of the constitutional right to an abortion by arguing that allowing the states to decide on abortion rights would be the most “constitutionally sound” way to handle the problem. Passing this bill would completely undermine what the Republican party had said over the summer. Some may argue that if the person’s state has determined abortion legal women still have the right to chose prior to the 15 week mark. This is just a devised way to make people believe that they still have the right to an abortion, but this is not the case. Week 15 of pregnancy marks the beginning of the second trimester. This is when doctors can begin to detect abnormalities in the pregnancy, including a possibly fatal abnormality of the fetus. The majority of fetuses that have a decetcable fatal condition result in abortion, and with the 15 week ban this would no longer be an option. If a fetus has an abnormality or disease that will result in death, the fetus will endure immense suffering throughout the entirety of the pregnancy. Some parents decide to terminate even if the abnormality is not fatal because they do not have the means necessary to care for the fetus. If they have to follow through with the pregnancy, the child will not receive proper care because the parents are not capable of properly supporting their condition.
Overturning Roe v. Wade completely revoked a woman’s right to choose by leaving it to the state. Placing a 15 week ban on abortions will not only take away a woman’s right but it will take this decision almost fully away from the states, once again. This bill stands almost no chance of being passed, but gives an incredible motivation to vote blue in upcoming elections.