"If you are silent about your pain ..."
By centering the lived experiences of women, we can better understand the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare access in the upcoming election

The history of women’s healthcare is a complex dynamic interwoven with struggles, triumphs, and ongoing battles for autonomy over the female body. From the early days of medical practices that often marginalized women surrounding their reproductive rights, the journey has been marked by significant milestones and setbacks especially over the issue of abortion, a deeply polarizing topic that reflects broader societal attitudes toward women’s health. Abortion bans and restrictive laws have evolved through the decades, often disproportionately affecting minority communities and limiting access to safe healthcare. By centering the lived experiences of women, we can better understand the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare access in the upcoming election. To do that, I asked a few questions to several young women who all attend historically Black colleges and were all born and raised in the South: How do current abortion rights and access to reproductive health care influence your personal choices and experiences as a college student, and what specific changes would you like to see in the upcoming election? In what ways do you think the outcome of the 2024 election could impact abortion rights and reproductive health care for college students, and how important is this issue to you and your peers when considering your voting decisions?
Jakara Golden, Senior at Clark Atlanta University from Atlanta, Entrepreneur
“Although it’s available I think it should be more accessible for everyone. Every circumstance is different however if someone that was violated doesn’t get the opportunity or right to an abortion they’d have to live with that their whole life. In the upcoming election I am hoping that abortions and women’s reproductive rights are magnified because for a long time we’ve been put on the back burner which is not fair. Women give life. We should be on a pedestal because if there were no women to reproduce then the world can’t prosper.
In relation to college students, it is most important to learn about the things everyone doesn’t always talk about, which are women’s health and reproductive rights. In college women and all students are figuring out life and may come across a lover(s). There should be a conversation about preventative measures and contraception that can be available to all, beyond just practicing celibacy or abstinence. Due to women’s reproductive rights being slim these days I am extra careful even though everyone should always be cautious of outcomes beyond pregnancy that come with being sexually active. I would hate to be in a position that I can’t make the best choice for myself because of an insensitive law.
As far as the election, I would want to vote for someone who would understand the importance and severity of this topic. I want to know that I would be able to have someone in a high position advocate for all women and make a change.”
Kennedy Carter, Senior at Clark
Atlanta University from Baton Rouge, Aspiring Lawyer
“Current abortion rights and access to reproductive health care have influenced my personal choices and experiences as a college student because of the state I attend school in. I am a student in Georgia where the six week abortion ban is in effect. Recently, a Black woman died after traveling to North Carolina to take an abortion pill after her six-week deadline had passed in Georgia. She experienced rare complications from the pill and went to the hospital. The hospital then made her wait hours until it was an emergency to have a surgery out of fear of repercussions from the government for helping the woman have this surgery. She unfortunately passed as a result. During my sophomore year, one of my best friends attending school in Washington, D.C., had an abortion and it makes me think about the disparity in freedoms between states that should be universal for everyone.
As a political science major, there is a lot of conversation surrounding this topic. Women should not have to fear for their livelihood to have abortions because the government criminalizes them. There are numerous circumstances outside of irresponsible sex that allows women to get pregnant and want abortion such as rape, incest, maternity health, and other extreme cases. The specific changes I would like to see in the upcoming election are a dedication to strengthening abortion rights. However, it starts with the people we elect to office. The president cannot single handedly change abortion laws, but has the power to help based on who they appoint to the Supreme Court. The people we elect to the state legislature and Congress also play an instrumental role in the laws that govern us.”
Summer Clemons, Graduate of Spelman College and Student at Morehouse School of Medicine from Atlanta, Aspiring Doctor
“The current state of women’s health care, particularly regarding abortion rights, is deeply concerning. In Georgia, the six-week abortion ban illustrates how restrictive policies can limit access to essential healthcare services. As a student at Morehouse School of Medicine, I’m learning about the importance of comprehensive reproductive health care in patient education and health outcomes. The World Health Organization reports that access to safe abortion services can reduce maternal mortality by up to 30%.
The upcoming elections are crucial for shaping these issues, especially since over 30 states are expected to introduce or maintain restrictive abortion laws. Depending on the election outcomes, we could see either a rollback of rights or significant advancements in access to care.
Knowing that access to abortion services may be limited creates a climate of anxiety surrounding sexual health and family planning. It’s essential for students to feel secure in their choices without fear of legal repercussions or stigma. As a result, voting on these issues will be paramount; we seek representatives who will advocate for policies that ensure access to comprehensive reproductive health care and respect for women’s autonomy.”
These young women’s perspectives serve as a powerful reminder of the pressing need for discussion on women’s healthcare and laws that prohibit abortion. Their testimonials are a collective need for autonomy and comprehensive care, in addition to the physical and emotional hurdles presented by limiting regulations. These women’s thoughts and concerns demonstrate the significant influence that policy decisions have on their lives, highlighting the need for laws that make reproductive rights and health justice a top priority.
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