Democracy vs. Bodily Autonomy: The Abortion Rights Debate

Question
QUESTION: Hi there. A friend of mine and I were having a discussion, and while she is personally pro-choice she argued that in a democracy the majority should rule. She basically thinks that ROe V Wade should be overturned, and that it should be put to a vote. I disagree, but at the same time that IS what the word democracy means. When people disagree on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion someone has to decide right? I feel controling ones body is a basic human right, but like she said, who decides what our rights should be? Government right? And the government is elected by the majority. So I'm confused. Thanks.'

Cindy

ANSWER: Hi Cindy :)

If it was left to the states, the status of abortion would be decided by who's the majority vote in that state; when Roe was decided, it was made with health in mind. Controlling our bodies is a fundamental right, so the government should be able to say "every woman deserves this, no matter where she is", like it did in ruling that interracial marriage is okay, and segregation is not okay. It's not up to states to decide if women have this right-it's a right they HAVE. You're absolutely right, the voters elect that majority.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: But what if the majority of people did elect a President that wanted to make abortion illegal? Shouldn't the majority prevail in a democracy? I think that was her point. She said as long as the majority agree abortion should be legal, it should be. Now I'm not sure of this, perhaps you are? Isn't it pretty much split right down the middle when it comes to public opinion on abortion in the US? She said even if it was 48 percent in favor 50 percent against, you would go with the higher number.

Cindy

Answer
A majority of people do think abortion should be legal in certain circumstances. The majority does not belive abortion should be illegal. People think there should be restrictions, but outlawing it as a whole? Definitely not. We don't really know who the majority wants in president, since so many people don't vote and put their voice forth. And the president can't decide personally, but can influence the state of Roe through supreme court nominations. And voters also vote for members of Congress, who can deny or accept the president's nomination. I hope I'm making sense! Sorry if I'm not!