The idea that a woman should have the right to choose what happens to her body is something that seems self-evident to many of us. Yet when it comes to abortion, there is still a fierce debate about the choices a woman can and should make.
There’s an important link between the gender pain gap and abortion rights. Find out how the tendency for women in pain to be ignored is related to abortion law and what AIMA is doing to address untreated pain.
What is the Gender Pain Gap?
The gender pain gap is the insidious phenomenon that results in women in pain not being treated the same as men in pain. We’ve discussed the gender pain gap and the long history of doctors dismissing women’s pain before, but it’s important to examine the different ways the pain gap manifests to cause harm in our society. One of those ways is how the gender pain gap influences abortion rights.
How the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Took Women’s Voices Away
Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in 1973 that ruled that abortion is a right according to the Constitution. This ruling came in response to a case brought by a woman seeking an abortion when she became pregnant with her third child in Texas, where abortion was illegal at the time.
Women being able to have control over their reproduction, and thereby participate more equally in society, both economically and socially, has been a major reason for the strides that have been made in gender equality.
Much of the world was shocked and outraged by the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade this past June 2022. This legal ruling was a huge step backwards when it comes to abortion rights.
What is the Abortion Law Right Now in the US
After the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion law is now in the hands of individual states. This means that states can once again choose to ban abortion, and indeed at least 13 states have already done so, with more expected to follow. While abortion remains legal in most of the country for now, in many places access may be restricted, making vital reproductive health services difficult for women who need them.
How the Court and Gender Pain Gap are Further Pushing Your Physical and Mental Pain
When doctors downplay women’s health concerns due to sexist stereotypes or deeply rooted biases about how women experience pain compared to men, it creates a barrier to seeking healthcare (not to mention psychological pain and frustration).
Even when abortion is legal, the quality of care a woman receives may be shaped by the attitude a medical provider has toward women (Bandewar, 2003). When the courts make abortion and other reproductive health services difficult to access, it means that even fewer women will seek treatment, whether it’s for something like period discomfort or more extreme issues that cause intense pain. Or worse, they will seek other avenues for relief, whether that’s unsafe abortion or home remedies that may cause more harm than good.
Women have struggled long enough when it comes to accessing healthcare, and it’s time to narrow the gender pain gap and ensure abortion rights so that all women have safe, easy access to the care they need.
AIMA is Pro-Choice, Let’s Shout it Out Loud!
At AIMA, we stand behind every woman's right to choose. We are deeply committed to closing the gender pain gap so that abortion rights are upheld, and so that women don’t have to be subjected to intense pain for no reason.
Closing the gender pain gap includes the right to effective, safe treatment for ovarian pain and period pain. There’s been enough doctors dismissing women in pain – AIMA is addressing untreated pain through scientifically driven, transparent, and person-centric solutions.
Whether you suffer from discomfort in the lower abdomen or more intense pain, the OVY Vaginal Suppository helps provide relief. There’s no need to suffer through period discomfort alone when OVY can help!
Do you have a story about a sexual experience, a body choice, abortion or untreated period pain that you just want to talk about? If so, please email us to share your story so that we can break the silence and raise awareness (#myperiodstory)!