Women, Reproductive Rights

Only 17 states provide financial assistance to poor women seeking abortions; 14 of them do so under court order. Over 87% of the US counties do not have services even though 34% of all women ages 15-44 live in those counties. Over 31% of US metropolitan areas have no providers. 8 of 10 residency programs don't require doctors to learn abortion procedures. What's more, 50% of chief residents have no clinical experience or training for a life-saving abortion. A study conducted with 244 family practice residency programs found most graduates receive little or no clinical training in reproductive health care, including diaphragm fitting, or IUD insertion and removal. Over 50% of unwanted pregnancies are the result of failed birth control. Between 1994 and 2000 the overall abortion rate dropped by 11%. However, the rate for poor women increased by 7%. Since 1996 the number of providers has decreased by 11%. The ongoing harassment of doctors, family planning administrators and medical students by anti-choice zealots has taken a toll. Healthcare professionals who try to help are being cut down by terrorists. With each year there are fewer doctors who know how to help. Fewer doctors who are WILLING to help and, unfortunately, more women who NEED help. A woman's right to bear children when she chooses; the right to determine her reproductive life, and the right to have control over her own body depends on her ability to pay.

http://www.now.org/issues/judicial/supreme/
http://www.wrrap.org/