Civil Liberties are expectations that the government will leave us alone. To be free from unwarranted government action. However, as the chapter 4 explains, all freedoms are subject to limits. No freedom is absolute. In the first discussion many students mentioned that when it comes to abortion it is “my body, my choice.” However, history tells us that this is only a slogan and not the reality.
1) Can you think of any other areas of freedom where it is NOT “your body and your choice?” Give an example.
When it specifically comes to abortion there have been three main Supreme Court cases that have defined abortion rights: Roe v. Wade(1973), Planned Parenthood v. Case (1992), and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization .
2) Did you find or realize anything NEW about abortion law that you did not know before after watching the video’s?
Since abortion is regulated by the states, there are many differences from state to state, like other civil liberties. Think about how gun laws differ from state to state, for example. Due to the nature of politics, some states have very restrictive laws regarding abortion, while others are very liberal. See the following website to see examine abortion laws (https://ballotpedia.org/Abortion_regulations_by_state). See where limits on abortion are in other European countries as complied by the British Broadcasting Company (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6235557.stm)
Lastly, you are put in the role of a legislator for the State of Valencia, the new 51st state of the union. Your job is to determine what limits should be placed on abortion and to introduce a bill to the state legislature.
3) Tell what you think is an appropriate limit on abortion and why? Defend your bill with information from other countries and states, the law from the the Supreme Court cases, and your own personal logic.
