This article criticizes a South Australian bill that would force women to carry pregnancies beyond 27 weeks and six days, arguing that it violates bodily autonomy and ignores the complex realities faced by women seeking abortions. The author shares her personal experience of having a child with a genetic condition, highlighting the difficult decisions parents face.
‘No one wants to find themselves in the position of having to make such a choice. Even more importantly, no-one wants someone else dictating such a deeply personal decision for them and their baby,’ writes Ruth Milne.‘No one wants to find themselves in the position of having to make such a choice. Even more importantly, no-one wants someone else dictating such a deeply personal decision for them and their baby,’ writes Ruth Milne.
After enduring two painful ectopic pregnancies and a miscarriage, I longed for my daughter Asha. My pregnancy was far from straightforward; I alternated between the excitement of becoming her mother and intense anxiety about everything that could go wrong.When I experienced bleeding and had ultrasounds that consistently indicated Asha was smaller than she should be, I tried to raise the alarm. Initially, my doctors dismissed my concerns, convinced that I must have my dates wrong.
My doctors made it clear that only I could make the decision, but I would have to get permission from a panel of medical professionals if I chose to terminate. A week later, I went into hospital for a termination. I had to be induced, and I gave birth to Asha, weighing only 600 grams. She was beautiful, like a delicate doll with my own lips and nose. After holding her for hours, I gently bathed and dressed her and took photos and footprints of her perfect tiny feet. My closest family members held her. And for the rest of the night, I cradled her in my arms, unwilling to let go.
Abortion Bodily Autonomy Genetics Pregnancy South Australia
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