One More Way for Pro-Lifer's to Gain Control

Today's paper was filled with interesting and often even jaw dropping stories. The article "Under Utah Legislation, Seeking Illegal Abortion Would Become a Crime", however, was of most interest for me.
It discusses Utah legislation, specifically Bill 12, in which if passed Utah would have the power to criminalize any attempt of an illegal abortion. This is stemming from a case in Utah where a 17-year-old girl payed a man $150 to beat her in order to abort her 7-month-old fetus. While the baby survived, the man went to jail and the girl inspired legal action.

Let's start with the issue of abortion...I think that many women are in situations, such as they are either way too young or in an abusive relationship , and having a baby would not do themselves or their growing fetus any good, in fact it would only do more harm.
I can't say what I would do personally if I was with child but I do know that I believe such an option is a woman's right as it is their body and their life.

The issue with illegal abortion in my mind is an extremely sticky issue. My reason being that of course no one supports someone purposely harming themselves and their fetus rather than going about it legally with a certified doctor. However, this give people a huge loop hole as to what people can say qualifies as intent on the mother's part.

For example the NY Times brings up a story of a woman who fell down the stairs while pregnant and in passing to an EMT she said she didn't know if she really wanted the baby anymore, more out of fear than anything else. And while she didn't miscarry right after the incident she was taken to jail where she spent two days before being released and having charges dropped.

Women, if convicted, will get a lifetime sentence, which in instances like those above is ridiculous. If someone has an assumption about the woman, then a case is brought up, and in most instances a great amount of evidence won't be needed, in fact it could all be based on speculation.

I see both sides to this bill, but I see it doing more harm than good in the long run..I hope it doesn't pass.