A woman's access to an abortion (opens in new tab) is a constantly defended right throughout the United States. But where you live can have a big impact on whether or not an abortion is an easy service for a woman to get. And for some women, limited access to abortion care (opens in new tab) in their region is propelling them to take drastic measures to ensure they—or those close to them—can terminate their pregnancy if they wish.
But as with many desperate decisions, comes dire consequences. Such was the case for Jennifer Ann Whalen, a mother from Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to serve anywhere from 12 to 18 months in prison for providing her 16-year-old daughter with miscarriage-inducing pills. In addition to the prison time, Whalen was fined $1,000 and given 40 community service hours to fulfill. The reason for the sentence is a Pennsylvania state law which mandates all abortions must by performed by licensed physicians.
Whalen's daughter wished to end the pregnancy, so she ordered the 'abortion pills' online all the way from Europe. However, the use of the pills, which are illegal in Pennsylvania and a few other states, was a last ditch effort. Whalen and her daughter live in a rural area of Pennsylvania, and the closest abortion provider was over 70 miles away. On top of the hefty travel time needed for her daughter to reach an abortion clinic, As you might expect, taking the European-imported pills led to her daughter experiencing some severe cramping and bleeding, which landed her in the hospital.
This woman's sentence is demonstrative of the importance of having legal, safe abortion care available to women no matter their zip code—if abortion care had been more readily available, perhaps they would not have felt the need to seek out other methods to end the unwanted pregnancy.
Related:
This Act Could Put an End to Anti-Abortion Legislation (opens in new tab)
2013 Was a Rough Year for Abortion Rights (opens in new tab)
Don't Mess With Texas Women (opens in new tab)
Yet Another Blow to Birth Control Coverage (opens in new tab)
I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.
-
Prince Harry Could “Make Some Form of Reconciliation” with the Royal Family for the Coronation, Expert Says
…but it would still be “extremely difficult.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Princess of Wales Broke the Queen’s “Golden Rule” By Revealing This Private Detail
It makes sense why Her late Majesty wanted to keep this close to the vest.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Brings in Archbishop of Canterbury to Broker Peace Deal Between Prince William and Prince Harry
The King wants Harry at the Coronation; William is apparently less enthused.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
35 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
By Rona Akbari
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
By Ai-jen Poo
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
By Megan DiTrolio