In the debates regarding “exceptions” to abortion bans, “rape, incest and the life of the mother” are typical exception qualifiers. These so-called special case exceptions are actually unenforceable policies that have no material existence. All abortion bans are complete bans because, for example, there is no 12-year-old incest victim with the knowledge, ability or resources to pursue her rights to abort her rapist’s embryo in a hospital emergency room. Effectively, by design, there is neither the allotted time in the ban, nor some exception implementation procedure for her or anyone.

Additionally, under these restrictive laws, however critically life-threatening her condition, a woman is not allowed to play even a small part in the ultimate decision as to whether her life is threatened by her pregnancy. So, any medically necessary required abortion cannot suddenly become “legal” through her personal actions. Worse, her medical providers would face fines, loss of license and even jail time were they to provide what might be timely and necessary life-saving care. 

Simply put, exceptions to abortion bans do not materially exist because they cannot be employed. In practice, bans on abortion are real but no supposed exception right is. Since Roe was reversed by the Roberts court, Google finds no abortion under an exception clause in any state where a restrictive ban exists. The only real exceptions to these restrictive bans are available in the women’s reproductive care offered in the various “safe” states, where abortion remains legal. 

I suggest we stop harming and even killing women in America via extremist dogma. Certain political misanthropes among us see huge potential political power in serving the interests of what is a clear minority of Americans, especially within the wealthy religious zealot community. 

I urge these enabler politicians to consider stepping out of the darkness and into the light of morality and reason. The government must not decide for women in this most personal of matters. It is wrong to take away the rights and judgment of women and replace them with government edicts. It is against the American ethos and the freedom-loving American people shall not long stand by suborning such arrogant intolerance toward our mothers, daughters, and sisters.

This November’s election outcome will more clearly demonstrate what I mean. Rightly, women and all citizens of good will shall decide the democratically determined future path. Soon now, and throughout this land, American women will regain their full status and rights. 

John Pace lives in Honesdale, PA.