FROM THE DESK OF... DR. WILLIE PARKER

Going to Mississippi: If I Don't, Who Will?

In referring to reproductive rights, military metaphors are often used to describe the dynamics between those who support and those who would constrain women. If abortion access is "war", then the state of Mississippi is the frontline, with the recent attempt of the state to implement requirements that abortions be performed by board certified/board eligible physicians in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-Gyn), and who hold hospital admitting privileges at a facility nearby.

These regulations would shut down the remaining abortion clinic in the state, effectively denying women their constitutionally-protected right to abortion simply because they live in the state of Mississippi. Proponents of such an action argue that they are "protecting" the health of women, but the truth would suggest otherwise.