Abortion saved my grandmother’s life. Vote yes on Amendment 3 for Missouri women | Opinion
In 1973, my grandmother — a dedicated physician, wife, and mother of two young children — faced a life-altering crisis. While doing her rounds with patients in St. Louis, she suddenly collapsed and suffered a seizure. Rushed to Barnes Hospital, she received a devastating diagnosis: an arteriovenous malformation in her brain. To her shock, she also discovered she was pregnant.
As she consulted with her neurosurgeon and obstetrician, the gravity of her situation became painfully clear. Continuing the pregnancy posed significant risks to her health. The increased blood volume during pregnancy could lead to the bleeding in her brain, putting her life in jeopardy. Faced with the possibility of leaving her children without a mother, she grappled with a heart-wrenching decision.
In this moment of despair, she sought counsel from a priest, who offered a surprising perspective: “Who am I to judge? Who am I to make this life or death decision for you?” As a Catholic immigrant from Argentina, this conversation weighed heavily on her heart, yet it also reinforced her autonomy. Following the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized choice in reproductive health care, she was able to prioritize her health and her children’s future.
She chose to have an abortion, allowing her to undergo the necessary brain surgery to remove the malformation. She survived and went on to care for her children, a testament to the lifesaving impact of reproductive choice. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of why access to safe, legal abortion is essential for women, families and communities.
As a Missouri medical student pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology, the issue of legal abortion resonates deeply with me. This matter transcends policy. It’s about ensuring that physicians can provide care without fear of being arrested or having their license revoked. Our responsibility as health care providers is to advocate for our patients’ health, and we shouldn’t be hindered by restrictive laws that compromise our ability to do so.
I’m committed to training in an environment that enables me to provide comprehensive and compassionate care, including performing necessary procedures like abortions. However, because of restrictions in Missouri, many aspiring OB-GYNs — including myself — are seeking training in states where we can learn and practice these critical skills without political constraints. This is particularly concerning for Missouri, where “maternity care deserts” already limit access to reproductive health care. If we can’t train here, we risk losing valuable physicians who might have otherwise remained in state after residency. When the moment arises to save a woman’s life, I want to be equipped and well trained, capable of making decisions based on medical expertise rather than political ideology.
It’s crucial to address misconceptions surrounding Amendment 3 on the November ballot. Let’s be clear: It’s about restoring personal autonomy in reproductive health care decisions. If passed, it would give individuals and care providers the freedom to make choices without political interference.
Imagine being in my grandmother’s position, or any that of woman facing a life-altering decision. The weight of such choices is immense, and ultimately belongs to the individual, not the government. Relying on politicians — who lack the necessary medical training and understanding of reproductive health care — to dictate these decisions is not only misguided, but also dangerous.
Legal access to abortion is vital for protecting the autonomy and well-being of patients like my grandmother. As future physicians, we must advocate for policies that empower our patients to make informed choices about their health care. It’s time for Missouri to recognize the importance of legal abortion and trust individuals to make decisions that are best for themselves and their families. Vote yes to Amendment 3 on Nov. 5.