Discount Abortions for Students

United States
July 28, 2008 5:15pm CST
For a long time I worked as a career counselor in a welfare to work program. A lot of my clients had abortions in the time I was there, and since I am not a therapist it is absolutely NOT my place to counsel on whether or not to have an abortion. I would discuss it with them as they wished, but refer to counselors if it seemed necessary. Once, I was asked to write a note for one of my clients so that she could get a discount on her abortion. If Planned Parenthood could verify that she was in a training program or in school, there was a substantial decline in cost. I wrote the note, of course, and she presumable had an abortion. We never discussed it again, and her county assistance never increased. I was unsettled, NOT because this girl had an abortion (her body, her right), but that there was a discount available to students. On the one hand, the cost associated with an abortion would hopefully be the least concern when debating whether or not to have an abortion. But on the other, should we be making abortions student-friendly? Does anyone feel strongly one way or another? Don't worry, I won't give out negative ratings!
2 people like this
2 responses
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
22 Aug 08
I have heard about Planned Parenthood and think them offering abortions is really sad. I don't agree with abortions and wouldn't ever choose to have one myself. However I respect other people's choices. I think that instead of pregnant students being offered a discount on an abortion they should be offered free medical care in their pregnancy and in labor if they decide to have their baby adopted. I think that a cut price abortion offer implies to pregnant students that it is the right thing to do. Having an abortion might upset their studies and years later they might regret their decision to have one. A lady of 20 years old in her second year of a History degree is going to be shocked if she gets a surprise pregnancy. She should talk to her boyfriend, a close friend, her parents if she can and a counselor. She should be given the option of adopting her baby. She could be allowed to complete her studies and be given financial help if she wants to keep or have her baby adopted. But if she wants to have her baby aborted this should not be a cut price one. If it is an expensive option she is less likely to want to have an abortion.
• United States
22 Aug 08
I agree that adoption should be as viable an option as abortion, for everyone. It's funny, but I know a few people who have had abortions, and I have always known where I could go if I needed one, but I wouldn't be able to tell you how I could get adoption support. Then again, I've never been pregnant, so it's not something I've ever pursued. Good points, thanks!
• United States
1 Aug 08
You are so close to 200 - Cant wait to see the smiley! As for abortion, I believe that it is a personal choice. I wouldn't want anyone to tell me that I couldn't, or that I had to have an abortion. I think as long as insurance pays for Viagra, and wont cover birth control, that abortions should be free. I know, I know, radical view, but think about this, If the power that is so anti abortion started to push for birth control to be covered by insurance, that I would bet that it would be covered in no time. Discount for being in a program or school? How bazaaro is that! Did they give them a lollipop too?
• United States
1 Aug 08
I am also looking for my smiley, this guy ":-)" is getting lame! Great points!