One thing I remember most about growing up in a Catholic school is how awkward my classmates got whenever abortion was mentioned.
The first time it happened was during religion class. I remember my teacher talking about the religious belief that life begins at conception. The second time was during English class, when my teacher decided to share her views on abortion with the class. They argued a stance that is notoriously different from the original ‘life begins at conception’ teaching Catholicism adopts.
This announcement shocked many students, as they were unsure how to respond.
When it comes to university, I’ve noticed that abortion gets discussed a lot less often, but I believe there is a need for reproduction eduction within post-secondary schooling.
With 20% of abortion patients citing their academic and career goals as a primary factor in their decision, integrating these topics into university curricula ensures that students are equipped with accurate information about abortion. This can be a solution to problems that many patients face today.
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in the United States, information surrounding abortion on the internet has become more targeted and less scientifically driven. A common narrative on social media depicts medical abortion, or what some users called ‘chemical abortion,’ as unsafe.
Contrarily, complications are rare to occur within medical abortion. The procedure is 85-98% effective, depending on the dose and weeks of established pregnancy. Learning about abortion in the university curricula can allow students to gain a more accurate understanding about reproductive care.
This will in turn, allow students to make confident informed decisions.
It could also potentially reduce the stigma surrounding abortion. According to Planned Parenthood, misinformation and a lack of knowledge creates a cycle of stigma amplified by negative and distorted messages, as well as rampant misinformation.
This in turn creates multiple barriers. For example, there has been an increase in laws restricting access to abortion care, and a rampant rise in negative media coverage. The stigma causes other people to feel silenced about going through the procedure, causing patients to feel shame and isolation
This is why we need greater education on abortion care. Learning about abortion can potentially lead to a change on a systemic level. By reducing stigma, access to care can become more equitable.
Most importantly, patients who went through the procedure will feel more comfortable to share their stories.
Integrating abortion into university curricula will also allow students to feel more comfortable discussing their choices openly when it comes to their reproductive health. lt could normalize the topic of abortion and foster healthy discussions around university campuses.
These discussions could lead to individuals creating support groups or resources on campus that will positively impact students undergoing the procedure while also juggling academics and internships. If they want to discuss about their choices, students will be provided with a safe space to talk. This leads to better emotional support and outcomes.
Integrating reproductive education into post-secondary curricula is not just about a matter of women’s rights. Learning about reproductive ensures students continue to advocate for each other, across all generations.
By discussing abortion, students learn about the accurate facts surrounding the procedure, allowing them to make informed choices in regards to their own reproductive health. Through discussions of reproductive care, students will learn to discuss more about the topic, which will in turn, reduce the stigma. And slowly, these actions can lead to further changes for reproductive care.
Integrating abortion into the curricula ensures a future where healthcare is equitable and accessible, and it all begins with the discussions started in the classroom.