Ever since abortions became a plausible “plan c” for unexpected pregnancies, the debate regarding Pro-Life vs Pro-Choice has been a hot-button issue. More recently, the controversial debate has reached a boiling point. 

Earlier this year, Texas Republican Representative Tony Tinderholt proposed a bill that would give the death penalty to women who get abortions and the physicians who perform them. 

The bill is called the “Abolition of Abortion in Texas Act,” or House Bill 896, and was introduced to “protect the rights of an unborn child,” according to NBC News. Although the bill was proposed in January, the first committee hearing occurred April 8 and has been developing in recent weeks.

The bill reads, “A living human child, from the moment of fertilization on fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum, is entitled to the same rights, powers, and privileges as are secured or granted by the laws of this state to any other human child.” 

While this is the central argument for pro-life supporters, pro-choice supporters also wanted their voice heard and as a result, performed several protests calling upon the idea of “My body, my choice.”

Many women decide to get abortions because they’re a victim of rape, are in an abusive relationship or aren’t in the right place mentally or financially to raise a child. 

Although pro-life supporters believe having the baby is the only option, keeping the child can cause an overflow in foster care, forcing the child to live life at a lower standard. 

Pro-choice supporters aren’t necessarily in support of abortions, but they believe that it is a woman’s right to choose what she does with her own body and that no legislation should stand in the way.

The debate also shines a negative light on the nonprofit organization Planned Parenthood, which among other procedures, carries out abortions at their clinics.

The organization was never meant to strictly be an abortion clinic, but that is what they’re most controversially known for. The founders introduced abortion care to ensure a woman had the proper resources to live her life safely and healthily. 

Women should be allowed the opportunity to get an abortion if that’s what they feel is right for them. They shouldn’t be restricted from that option due to legislation and should always be able to feel safe and secure in their bodies.