Blacks Grapple with Abortion

By Donna MarburySpecial to the NNPA from the Columbus Post COLUMBUS (NNPA) Ohio -Keisha is a typical college student; she’s 23, never married, African American and studying to become a nurse. She works part time at a nursing home and lives with her parents to save money to buy a home. She’s also had two abortions. Despite her knowledge of the medical field, she says getting pregnant at 18, then again six months ago was an act of negligence. “I was having sex, being lazy and not using condoms,” she explained. “Nobody is for abortion, even if you are pro-choice. It’s just a horrible procedure and a horrible way to handle your problems. But it’s a necessary evil.” Keisha also fits the profile of the typical abortion patient. As a Black woman, she is three times more likely than a White female to have an abortion. Fifty-two percent of women obtaining abortions are under 25, while more than 67 percent are unmarried. Although only two out of 100 women between the ages of 15-44 have had an abortion, almost half (48 percent) of those women have had previous abortions. “I never thought I was being irresponsible, and fitting a profile,” Keisha said. “But there are thousands of girls like me who are adding to all of these deaths. It’s sad.” On January 22, the 32nd anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the historic Supreme Court case that legalized abortions, was observed. Some feel it is time for the law to be phased out of America’s legacy. Even Norma McCorvey, who was lead plaintiff Jane Roe in the 1973 court case, has moved from pro-choice to pro-life and is now a minister. Others feel that it set a precedent for giving women a say over what goes on with their bodies. Many organizations are advocating that the nation engage in a new dialogue about abortion. Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, says that the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade serves as a reminder that women’s reproductive rights may be at risk. The organization commemorated the anniversary by viewing and discussing “Motherhood by Choice Not by Chance,” a film that speaks about reproductive rights. “We really hope that this time of year will move people to stand up for their rights and not let their rights be rolled back,” said Copeland. “Abortion hasn’t been a solution,” said Denise Mackura, executive director of Ohio Right to Life. “When I think of the 45 million children who have lost their life (since Roe. Vs. Wade was passed in 1973), I see that all of the problems haven’t been solved and we need to really help women.” Ohio has one of the most lenient abortion laws in the country, allowing women to obtain the procedure through the ninth month of pregnancy. Mackura says that the majority of Ohio’s abortion clinics are in high poverty neighborhoods. “When you look at a map of Columbus and look where the abortion facilities are, it’s scary,” she said. Copeland points out that 91 percent of Ohio counties do not have abortion providers and that most insurance companies do not cover contraceptives. She says that initiatives from the Bush administration threaten the future of abortions. “We’re really concerned this year about how long the Roe vs. Wade choice will stand,” stated Copeland. “Because there’s a move by the Bush administration to appoint conservative members to the Supreme Court.” Keisha says she is now taking precautions, using condoms and other forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy before she is ready to be a mother. “I was using abortion as birth control and that’s not right. But nobody has the right to tell me that I’m ready to be a parent when I’m not,” she said. “I will always think abortion is wrong, but I can’t judge anyone because I did it too.”