Devolution, meaning the transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration. Conservative ideology is partially grounded in the idea that states should have the power to dictate what’s best for themselves. On the surface, it seems logical. Decisions are more representative of citizens’ interests, local issues can be more easily addressed, and there’s an increase in political efficacy. But it raises questions we, as Americans, constantly grapple with. At what point must we enact federal legislation to protect our fundamental rights and when must we prioritize the moral good over communal values?
Devolution, meaning the descent or degeneration to a lower or worse state. Ironically, this alternative definition suggests the result of its implementation. When applied to civil rights, devolution undermines our freedoms by allowing local governments to impose restrictions that violate them. In that case, we regress—a return to a time in which those rights weren’t guaranteed. Would you risk your right to freedom of speech? How about your right to bear arms or to practice religion? Of course not. Then why have we chosen to risk a woman’s right to autonomy over her own body?
We pride ourselves on equality, but are we truly equal if one sex doesn’t have control over their healthcare decisions? It’s critical this inherent right be enshrined in federal law to ensure equality and to protect a freedom so many have fought to obtain. By allowing states to determine abortion regulation, it’s inevitable that some will implement bans.
From experience, we know these have disastrous consequences. It stems from the fact that women will always seek out ways to terminate pregnancies. Legislating against abortion does not remove its necessity; it simply results in the operation being done unsafely.
The World Health Organization estimates 45% of abortions fall into this category, and those numbers will continue to climb if states retain the power. On top of that, abortion bans disproportionately affect minorities, as those with fewer resources often lack the ability to travel interstate in search of accessible healthcare. Not only does limiting access mean a lack of equality in regards to sex, it results in a lack of equality based on age, race, and socioeconomic status.
We are a symbol of freedom and opportunity on the world stage; however, our current legislation does not portray us as such. To prevent government overreach in its attempt to decide the fate of a woman’s pregnancy, to ensure equality, to protect the health of an entire demographic, to create uniformity among rights determined essential, and to uphold fundamental American principles, we must restore federal legislation that guarantees the right to abortion in the United States.
