Abortion saved my grandmother’s life. Vote yes on Amendment 3 for Missouri women

In 1973, my grandmother, a dedicated doctor, wife, and mother of two young children, faced a life-changing crisis. St. While attending to patients in St. Louis, he suddenly collapsed and had a seizure. When he was admitted to Barnes Hospital, he received a devastating diagnosis: arteriovenous malformation of his brain. Surprisingly, she also discovered that she was pregnant.

The seriousness of his condition became painfully clear when he consulted his neurosurgeon and obstetrician. Continuing the pregnancy carried significant risks to her health. Increased blood volume during pregnancy can cause bleeding in the brain, endangering your life. Faced with the danger of leaving her children motherless, the woman struggled with a heartbreaking decision.

In this moment of despair, he sought advice from a priest who offered a surprising perspective: “Who am I to judge? “Who am I to make this life and death decision for you?” As a Catholic immigrant from Argentina, this conversation was heavy on his heart, but it also strengthened his autonomy. Roe v., the landmark case that legalized choice in reproductive health care. Following his decision, Wade was able to prioritize his own health and his children’s future.

She chose to have an abortion, which allowed her to undergo the necessary brain surgery to remove the malformation. She survived and continued to care for her children; This is a testament to the life-saving impact of reproductive selection. Her story is a powerful reminder of why access to safe, legal abortion matters for women, families and communities.

As a medical student from Missouri pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology, the issue of legal abortion resonates deeply with me. This issue transcends politics. This is about ensuring doctors can provide care without fear of being arrested or having their license revoked. Our responsibility as healthcare providers is to protect the health of our patients, and we should not be hindered by restrictive laws that jeopardize our ability to do so.

I am committed to training in an environment that allows me to provide comprehensive and compassionate care, including performing necessary procedures such as abortion. However, due to restrictions in Missouri, many aspiring OB-GYNs, including myself, seek training in states where we can learn and practice these critical skills without political restrictions. This is especially concerning in Missouri, where “maternity care deserts” already limit access to reproductive health care. If we cannot train here, we risk losing valuable doctors who can stay in the state after residency. When the moment comes to save a woman’s life, I want to be equipped and well-trained, with the ability to make decisions based on medical expertise rather than political ideology.

It’s important to clear up any misconceptions about Amendment 3 on the November ballot. Let’s be clear: This is about restoring personal autonomy in reproductive health decisions. If approved, the law would give individuals and care providers the freedom to make choices without political interference.

Imagine being in my grandmother’s shoes, or any other woman facing a life-changing decision. The weight of such choices is enormous and ultimately rests with the individual, not the government. Relying on politicians who lack the necessary medical training and understanding of reproductive health care to dictate these decisions is not only misguided but dangerous.

Legal access to abortion is vital to protecting the autonomy and well-being of patients like my grandmother. As future physicians, we must advocate for policies that empower our patients to make informed choices about their health care. It is time for Missouri to recognize the importance of legal abortion and trust individuals to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Vote yes on Amendment 3 on November 5th.

Gabriella Thornton, St. A native of St. Louis, he is a medical student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She plans to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology.