Community Voices Opinions, Creates Discussions

Abortion is an international issue, and with the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion restrictions throughout the United States continue to challenge peoples’ constitutional rights to abortions. Though the issue is typically viewed through a wider scope, as the new generation of people rises, it is also an issue that affects those in our community at Blake. Students have different opinions on the issue and a multitude of experiences with abortion, whether directly or indirectly.  

In Minnesota, the right to an abortion is protected by the 1995 Doe v. Gomez ruling. However, in 2019, a bill to fully ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except for in the case of near death or serious injury, advanced in the Minnesota Senate and almost through the Minnesota House of Representatives. Though the bill did not pass, its proposal served as a reminder that historical precedents can always change. 

Current Minnesota law states that teens under 18 years old are not allowed to get an abortion unless they receive parental consent or have a judge rule that they are allowed to bypass the requirement. They can get an abortion if they are emancipated, meaning they are no longer under the control of their parents. Once they are able to obtain an abortion, patients are also required to undergo counseling that discourages abortion before their operations. However, there are other factors to consider, such as complex family dynamics that can make these processes difficult. 

“It’s the future…if it doesn’t affect you right now, it will in the future, whether directly or indirectly.” – Sam Hardy ’24

When asked about their opinion on abortion in general, Graham Heathcote ‘22 observed that, “The ways in which we have political battles over abortion is pretty inefficient. Regardless of whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, passing policies to shut down abortion clinics for arbitrary reasons as a means to stop abortions is not a good use of funds.” Specifically pertaining to discussion within the student body, Sam Hardy ‘24 noted that, “[Students] get caught up that it’s a political thing [abortion rights] because of other political issues that they get grouped together when it’s really not a political issue but a human issue… and not whether you are a Democrat or Republican.” 

Although it may seem like an issue that does not affect us, abortion has a lasting impact on many communities. Chad Woerner ‘22 observed that, “[Abortion] affects every generation and more mothers and parents, but it has implications that go on to all families. Surely many people in the Blake community have had to be confronted with making these decisions.” Similarly, Grace Flikke ‘24 pointed out that abortion can “Affect anyone’s future, [and] can still affect you even if you are not able to get pregnant.”

When asked about why our generation as a whole should care about abortion, Hardy stated, “It’s the future. Every issue, whether political or not, is the future of this world. If it doesn’t affect you right now, it will in the future, whether directly or indirectly. Everyone needs to be aware of it.” Additionally, Flikke elaborated, “We should talk about it more at school with Supreme Court cases. I don’t think a single one of my classes has mentioned it.” Abortion has tangible effects on our community and despite the controversy, the issue should be addressed more often. Whether in classroom discussions, equity labs, or other productive environments, it is essential to have conversations surrounding abortion.