Op-ed piece

1. Morgan Rodriguez
24 September 2021
COMS 3313-D02
Langford
The Texas Abortion Ban Proves that our Government Doesn’t Care for Human Rights
On January 22, 1973, Jane Roe’s Supreme Court victory translated to women all over
America as a win of their own. A history of rigid limitations on abortion procedures was
courageously brought to question in front of not only the highest court in the United States, but
also the nation’s citizens. The case of Roe v. Wade sparked widespread discussion about a topic
that at the time, was difficult for many to wrap their heads around: a woman’s right to make
decisions about her own body. Perhaps it doesn’t surprise you that women’s freedoms were
oppressed in the 1970’s. Perhaps you’re thinking about how far we have come as a nation,
feeling grateful that we have moved beyond the dehumanizing policies of the past. After all, in
2021, our country advocates for women’s rights... right?
Unfortunately, the current state of America has adopted a reality that is frighteningly
reminiscent of the years before Roe v. Wade. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken several
steps during recent years that demonstrate his firm opposition to abortion. However, Abbott’s
fierce efforts reached new heights on May 19, 2021, when he signed a bill that prohibits women
from receiving an abortion as early as six weeks into their pregnancies. The bill, known as S.B.
8, went into effect on September 1st
, making Texas the most strict state regarding restrictions on
abortion.
To help you understand the gravity of this policy, some women do not even know that
they are pregnant until at least seven weeks. Equally as disturbing, this policy does not provide

2. exceptions for women who become pregnant as a result of rape or incest. The law also
implements “private enforcement,” allowing any ordinary individual to sue patients, abortion
providers, clinics, or anyone assisting someone in search of abortion procedures if they are not in
compliance to S.B. 8. This has essentially frozen abortion services in Texas, as it is now far too
risky for everyone involved. If this isn’t infuriating enough, and you’re still questioning why you
should be concerned, perhaps you should consider how the law’s implications threaten our most
fundamental human rights as they are outlined in the Constitution. Roe v. Wade held that the
Constitution protects a woman’s right to abortion, so when The Supreme Court denies blocking
policies such as S.B. 8, they are exhibiting a flagrant violation of the Constitution, causing us to
wonder: are any of our human rights safe?
Because our government’s highest court has yet to demonstrate any legal action against
the state of Texas, what are we, as citizens, supposed to do in the meantime? Here are some
starting steps: Engage in public protest. This is the easiest way to make your voice heard by the
masses. Attend local rallies, sign petitions, and spread the message that S.B. 8 is not only an
attack on women, but an attack on every American’s constitutional rights. Next, write local,
state, and national government officials. Exercise your First Amendment right to challenge these
figures to take action against the dangerous precedents that will develop in our country as a result
of the Texas Abortion law. Find organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, that have targeted
action funds, and donate if you are able to.
The Texas Abortion law is not only a massive step back in history, but it is also a threat
to women’s rights, a violation of the Constitution, and a dangerous model for other states to
follow. Regardless of your opinion on abortion, laws such as S.B. 8 present a multitude of other

3. legal issues that carry frightening implications about our government’s willingness to ignore the
Constitution when it comes to protecting human rights.