Lesson Plan: Impact of Abortion Laws on Difficult Pregnancies

Subject: Health/Current Events (adaptable to Social Studies or Law)

Grade Level: High School (11th-12th)

Lesson Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Warm-up: Pose a thought-provoking question like: “Should a woman have the right to choose what happens to her body during pregnancy?” Briefly discuss student responses without judgment.
2. Introduce the topic: Explain that abortion laws are complex and vary by state. Today, we will explore a case that highlights the impact of restrictive abortion laws on families facing difficult pregnancies.
3. Silent reading: Allow students time to read the case study independently. See text below
4. Partner discussion: Have students pair up and discuss the following questions:
   • What challenges did Ashley and Marcus face due to the Texas abortion law?
   • How did the law impact their ability to make decisions about their pregnancy?
   • Can you think of any ethical considerations in this situation?
5. Think-Pair-Share: After partner discussions, have each pair share 1 key point with the class.

6. Research and Analysis 

   1. Independent research (optional): Provide students with some of the additional resources (listed at the end of the case study) and allow them time to research a specific aspect of the topic (e.g., Texas abortion law, Anencephaly).

Essay questions

1. Balancing Bodily Autonomy and Potential Life: The case of Ashley and Marcus presents a difficult situation where a state’s abortion law restricts a woman’s ability to choose when faced with a severe fetal abnormality. Write an essay analyzing the ethical and legal arguments for and against abortion bans in such circumstances. Should a woman’s right to bodily autonomy outweigh the potential right to life of a fetus with no chance of survival?

2. Analyze the potential health risks and consequences for women who are denied access to abortion care, particularly in cases involving complications or lethal fetal anomalies. Use specific examples or case studies to illustrate the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts on women in such situations.

3. Many states have enacted highly restrictive abortion laws, while others have taken steps to protect and expand access to abortion services. Compare and contrast the approaches of two different states (or countries), evaluating the rationale, provisions, and real-world impacts of their respective abortion policies on women’s health outcomes. What role should the government play in regulating abortion access, and how can conflicting priorities be balanced?

Ashley and her husband Marcus were already parents to a 3-year-old son and were excited to learn that Ashley was pregnant with identical twin girls. However, during an ultrasound at 12 weeks, they discovered that one of the twins (referred to as Twin A) had a fatal birth defect called anencephaly¹. This condition, which is likely caused by factors out of the Brandts’ control, including genetics, results in the fetus’ brain being exposed and deteriorating¹. There was virtually no chance the baby would be born alive¹.

Despite the diagnosis, Twin A still had basic bodily functions like muscle spasms and cardiac activity, making her ineligible for abortion care under Texas law¹. This law makes no allowances for lethal anomalies, in which the fetus has zero chance of survival¹. Its lack of exceptions can create life-threatening consequences for complicated pregnancies and, like this one, place the delivery of a healthy baby in jeopardy¹.

Ashley was denied abortion care in Texas and had to terminate the pregnancy in Colorado¹. This story underscores the impact state abortion bans can have on patients confronted with severe fetal abnormalities¹.

For more information, you might want to look into the broader context of abortion laws in Texas and their impact on women’s health²³. This is a sensitive and complex issue with varying opinions and legal interpretations. It’s always a good idea to consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding.

Additional sources:

1. “Mental Health and Abortion” (APA)
2. “Texas’ Abortion Law Hurts Patient Care, Doctors Say” (WebMD)
3. “Racial Disparities in Abortion Rates” (CDC)
4. “Texas abortion law: Implications for women’s health and safety” – This article discusses the implications of the Texas abortion law on women’s health and safety¹.
5. “How new regulations impact abortion and birth control access in Texas” – This article provides information on how new regulations are impacting abortion and birth control access in Texas².
6. “Abortion law in the United States by state” – This Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of abortion laws in the United States by state³.
7. “Facts about Anencephaly” – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page provides facts about Anencephaly⁵.