By Katherine Atchison
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Camden County College students spoke recently about their concerns over recent governmental encroachments on women’s health care.
Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the nation, leaving the decision on whether to legalize abortion up to the states. Some since then imposed severe restrictions on it.
This year, the Alabama Supreme Court imposed legal liability on in vitro fertilization patients and providers if they destroyed frozen embryos, prompting some providers to stop offering some IVF services. Providers resumed some IVF services this month under a new Alabama law aimed at protecting patients and providers from the legal liability imposed by the court.
While attending a Women’s History Month event at Camden County College on March 7, Camden County College student Grace Sciullo, 20, said it was important for colleges to highlight women’s history “to spread awareness about the past,” saying the Alabama Supreme Court ruling was “a scary loss of rights.”
Camden County College student Abigail James, 19, said about the recent Alabama legislation, it is “better now they actually have the patients in mind.”
According to the IVF Center, “in vitro fertilization has a 40.5% success rate.” For some, this may be the best option to have a child.
“It was scary in the beginning when it felt that everything was being taken away from women,” Camden County College student Anna Harbour, 21, said about the recent actions in Alabama. “Now it feels like they are at least trying.”
President Joe Biden spoke about women’s health care and reproductive rights during his State of the Union address this month. “Like many Americans, I believe Roe v. Wade got it right,” Biden said. “History is watching.”
Recently, New Jersey has made itself known as a safe haven state for women who need life-saving procedures. Sciullo said she was “happy that New Jersey can offer refuge to people and offer resources.”
James stated she is “grateful New Jersey wants to make the difference and help all women.”