The controversy over abortion continues to rage all across America, especially since Roe V. Wade was overturned in June–officially declaring that abortion is no longer seen as a constitutional right in the U.S.

The overturning of Roe V. Wade made it so that abortion is now state-regulated rather than federally–meaning that the nation’s states (rather than the nation as a whole) would be able to decide for themselves what restrictions and laws should be put into place regarding abortions. Various states like Ohio have since passed new laws further limiting access to abortions, while others like California have passed laws to protect abortion rights even more so than before.

This decision has affected women all over the country with many feeling relieved and others feeling quite unsettled. Nissy Alvarez-Chavez, a junior at EHS, expressed her views: “I think that the overturning of Roe V. Wade is a great continuation that shows women’s empowerment. Women have been taught and told for years that they can’t accomplish things if they have a baby. With the overturning of Roe V. Wade, I think that women can start to realize that they’re capable of being mothers and of accomplishing any goals/dreams they have or had set.” 

Meena Snider, another junior at EHS, simply disagrees. “I think that Roe V. Wade really helped women everywhere, and it’s unfortunate that it is gone. I know a lot of states are banning and restricting abortions and that makes me really sad. Now, many women won’t be able to get the care they need in their state, and some of the more unfortunate women who don’t have enough money to support themselves will have to suffer because of it. America is supposed to be about freedom, and seeing this happen is just absolutely disheartening.”

In roughly two weeks, Indiana is set to ban all abortions, excluding in cases of rape and incest before 10 weeks post-fertilization, if a fetus is diagnosed with a lethal anomaly, and in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. This ban would also mean that all abortions would have to be performed in hospitals or outpatient centers owned by hospitals–not abortion clinics. Nonetheless, some abortion clinic operators have filed a lawsuit attempting to block the ban before it takes effect on Sept. 15 (Davies and Rodgers). 

This ban has Hoosiers divided with the Pro-life community feeling overjoyed at this news, and the Pro-choice community becoming more and more despondent. Alvarez-Chavez explained, “I think the ban in Indiana is great because it has exceptions for certain serious situations. I think a lot of people are bothered, if not enraged, by the fact that abortion has been banned in the state of Indiana; however, people should really look into the actual law being passed in the state of Indiana and not just assume that women who are in dire situations have to have the baby.”

Snider, nevertheless, argues that this ban will have an adverse effect on the state: “I wasn’t surprised when Indiana’s ban on abortion was announced since it’s a red state; however, I feel that it was a bad decision. I think that the new abortion bans are one of the biggest restrictions in women’s rights right now because they have negatively impacted women everywhere. The option to have an abortion is a big part of women’s rights, especially when it comes down to their health or their homelife if they can’t support a child. I think that in the future, if it ever came down to it, the fact that I wouldn’t have a choice to have an abortion terrifies me.  If I’m not even able to support myself, then how will I support a baby? It’s scary.”

Abortion has been a contentious topic for numerous years and has only become more so as it continues to be fought about in the news and in legislative settings. People like Alvarez-Chavez believe that banning abortions is bound to have a positive effect and will help empower women, while people like Snider believe that banning abortions will only lead to more helplessness and poverty.  Both of these beliefs are justifiable, however. So, it seems that the future effects of abortion laws in America remain unclear.