Reproductive Freedom: Understanding Your Body and the Importance of Abortion Access

By Jay Dee, MPH

Reproductive Freedom and the Overturning of Roe v. Wade (Abortion Rights)

In 1973, the Supreme Court protected a woman’s constitutional right to safe abortion care. Nearly 50 years later, on June 24, 2022, that protection was overturned with the fall of Roe v. Wade.

While outrage is valid and widespread, an often-overlooked reality is the risk for women experiencing ectopic pregnancies. I won’t echo the outrage and disbelief that so many of us have already expressed—those emotions are valid and well-documented. If you’re interested in reading my full response, along with the voices of six other Sexual Health and Pleasure Influencers click here to read further.

Understanding Ectopic Pregnancies and Why Abortion Access is Crucial

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—commonly in the fallopian tubes, cervix, or abdominal cavity.

• These pregnancies aren’t viable

• If untreated, they can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or death

• Treatment requires termination, but restrictive laws can delay or deny care

This is why abortion access saves lives, its not just a choice. But if it is a choice, that too is ok!

Abortion As A Choice

Some people who oppose abortion (often called “pro‑lifers”) claim that having multiple abortions will harm a woman’s future reproductive health. However, the best available medical evidence does not support the idea that having one or more safe, legal abortions causes long‑term infertility or inherently damages reproductive capability. 

Here’s what the data shows:

• Safe, clinical abortions do not cause infertility.

Research indicates that when abortions are performed in a safe medical setting — whether medication abortion or first‑trimester surgical abortion — there is no increased risk of being unable to conceive later (secondary infertility).

• Most standard abortion procedures don’t negatively affect future pregnancies.

Large reviews and clinical evidence show no clear increase in the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other significant reproductive issues after abortion when care is safe and appropriate.

• Multiple abortions alone aren’t proven to harm your reproductive system.

There is no consistent research showing that simply having repeated abortions inevitably damages fertility or causes long‑term reproductive harm. Most studies find little to no effect when abortions are elective, legal, and free of complications.

• Rare complications — not the number of abortions — are what matter medically.

In very rare cases, complications such as infection (pelvic inflammatory disease) or uterine scarring (like Asherman’s syndrome) can affect future fertility — but these complications are uncommon and usually treatable. They are connected to specific medical circumstances, not the mere fact of having had abortions.

• Some studies note small associations with pregnancy outcomes, not fertility itself.

Certain research has reported slight increases in very preterm birth (<28 weeks) after two or more aspiration abortions in a first‑time birth cohort. However, these findings relate to specific outcomes in subsequent pregnancies and are not evidence of general infertility — and risk factors like short spacing between pregnancies also play a role.

Preventing Unintended Pregnancies

Hormonal Birth Control:

• Stops ovulation

• Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm

• Thins the uterine lining to prevent implantation

  
  

Not all women want or can use hormonal methods—and that choice is valid.

Tracking Your Ovulation Cycle

Ovulation typically lasts 12–24 hours. During this time, cervical fluid helps sperm swim easily and survive longer (up to 5 days) in the vaginal environment. The fluid becomes:

• Clear

• Stretchy

• Slippery (like raw egg whites)

This is the only time women are able to become pregnant. Once ovulation has passed, the possibility of pregnancy does not exist unless there's a freak of nature causing the ovaries to release another egg during a one month time span.

How to track:

1. Starting the day after your period, collect cervical fluid with a clean finger

2. Touch it between thumb and forefinger

3. If it stretches like egg whites, you’re likely ovulating

4. Track daily until the change is observed

   
   

Once confirmed, you can make informed decisions: embrace intimacy or abstain during fertile days.

The Bigger Picture: Reproductive Freedom

Reproductive freedom isn’t just the right to abortion—it’s the right to understand, manage, and protect your body.

• Access to abortion and contraception

• Awareness of your ovulation and fertility

• Choices that align with your values and well-being

  
  

Empowered decisions = safer, healthier outcomes.

Until Next Time,

The Vagina Liberator

Reproductive Freedom & Abortion Access — FAQs

Q: What was Roe v. Wade?

A: Roe v. Wade was a 1973 Supreme Court decision that protected a woman’s constitutional right to access safe abortion care in the United States.

Q: When was Roe v. Wade overturned?

A: Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022, removing federal protections for abortion access.

Q: How does overturning Roe v. Wade affect women’s health?

A: Without federal protection, states can restrict or ban abortion, which may delay or deny critical medical care.

Q: What is an ectopic pregnancy?

A: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

Q: Are ectopic pregnancies viable?

A: No. Ectopic pregnancies cannot result in a viable birth and require medical intervention.

Q: Why is abortion access critical for ectopic pregnancies?

A: Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy requires termination. Without timely care, it can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or death.

Q: Can ectopic pregnancies be prevented?

A: No. Ectopic pregnancies cannot be prevented, but early diagnosis and access to care are lifesaving.

Q: How can unintended pregnancies be reduced?

A: Unintended pregnancies can often be prevented through contraception, fertility awareness, and understanding ovulation.

Q: How does hormonal birth control prevent pregnancy?

A: Hormonal birth control stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, and thins the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

Q: What are signs of ovulation?

A: Ovulation is often marked by clear, stretchy, slippery cervical fluid, similar to raw egg whites.

Q: When can pregnancy occur during the menstrual cycle?

A: Pregnancy can occur during ovulation, which typically lasts 12–24 hours, though sperm can survive up to five days in the vaginal environment.

Q: What is reproductive freedom?

A: Reproductive freedom is the right to understand, manage, and make informed decisions about your body, fertility, and healthcare.

Q: Why does reproductive freedom save lives?

A: Access to abortion, contraception, and fertility education allows for timely medical care and safer health outcomes.