A reported, planned amendment to the anti-abortion plank of the Utah GOP’s platform aims to remove language acknowledging exceptions for rape, incest, and threats to the life of the mother. As noted, that change clearly places greater value on the fertilized egg, embryo, or pre- /non-viable fetus than on the well-being of a fully developed woman.
This comes as surrounding states have made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to obtain an abortion under any circumstance. Further, Roe v Wade is in imminent jeopardy by a SCOTUS packed with justices deliberately chosen for their willingness to overturn it.
We view this amendment as cruel and immoral in its disregard for the well-being of women caught in circumstances where, under this version of reality, they will be forced to literally face death or other serious harm rather than end a pre- or non-viable pregnancy. The callous suggestion that there is a long line of those waiting to adopt flies in the face of many realities:
• The nightmarish limbo of thousands of unwanted children stuck in a dysfunctional foster care system.
• The very real risks — physical and emotional — of carrying an unwanted, medically dangerous, or non-viable pregnancy to term.
• Life with a daily reminder of your rapist or abuser.
The rationale for abortion access, writ large, can be made from multiple perspectives — that of a woman and parent, from faith and ethical concerns, from that of a physician, and from broader societal concerns. The broader assault on abortion access is misguided and harmful enough. This amendment to the GOP platform goes well beyond a callous disregard for the living, breathing life’s of women. We urge Republican Convention delegates to vote no. The lives of women matter. It is beyond appalling to have to even make that argument.
Robin Hough, president, Women’s Democratic Club of Utah