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Fresh Air

An Unprecedented Moment For Abortion, IVF & Fetal Personhood

Oct 16, 2024
Legal scholar Mary Ziegler, a renowned expert on reproduction and autonomy, dives into the tumultuous landscape of U.S. reproductive rights post-Roe v. Wade. She discusses the intricate legal battles affecting both abortion access and in vitro fertilization. Ziegler highlights the significant stakes of upcoming elections and the potential implications for individual choices. Meanwhile, critic John Powers offers insight into Michel Houellebecq's provocative new novel, 'Annihilation,' exploring existential dilemmas in modern life.
46:09

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to a rise in abortion access challenges, with many seeking care across state lines despite legal restrictions.
  • Legal ambiguities around abortion laws create a chilling effect on healthcare providers, complicating their ability to deliver necessary medical interventions.

Deep dives

Impact of Abortion Laws on Access

Abortion access in the United States has been significantly affected since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, leading to an uptick in abortions in some states. Contrary to the belief that criminalizing abortion would reduce its occurrence, evidence suggests that such measures often fail to deter those seeking abortions. Many individuals are bypassing local restrictions by traveling to states that guarantee access, or utilizing online services to obtain abortion pills, illustrating the complexities and adaptability of those seeking care. The prevailing trend reveals that criminal bans have not effectively minimized the demand for abortions, which tends to correlate more closely with social and economic factors than with legal restrictions.

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