If you’ve been paying attention to the news or social media lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of discussion about abortion.

Many states have been passing legislation recently that restrict women’s rights to abortion, and the main point of argument is whether or not this should be OK.

This is a very controversial topic, and I apologize if this article offends anyone. These are my views, and I feel strongly about them just as I’m sure you feel strongly about your own.

I have always been pro-choice. I never thought it was anyone’s right to tell other women what they can or cannot do with their bodies.

People say that there are two bodies involved when it comes to abortion, but I only see one: the woman’s. She gets to choose whether or not she wants to house something in her body for nine months.

While I say I’m pro-choice, it is only to an extent. I really only agree with abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. Anything after should be for medical emergencies only.

I believe women should have the first trimester to decide whether or not to terminate because sometimes it takes a while for them to even find out they’re pregnant. Plus, it’s important for women to consider all of their options regarding pregnancy instead of rushing into any hasty decisions.

However, abortion should only be allowed in the first trimester because I believe the fetus does start to become a baby after that.

One of the driving arguments for why abortion should be restricted is religion. People are always wondering where religion should fit into these laws.

Sorry, but the truth is religion has no place in government. We have a separation of church and state, which means that religious views cannot sway legislation. We cannot restrict abortion because of religion.

Another argument is that adoption should be the first option for anyone considering abortion.

There are so many children waiting to be adopted right now. Actually, there are too many children waiting to be adopted. People don’t adopt children as much as people would like to believe, so adoption is not the best option.

My main concern in this whole abortion debate regards cases in which conception as a result of rape and incest are not given the attention they deserve. These restrictive laws do not consider women who are victims and were forced into their situations.

Another argument from some pro-life people is that women need to “close their legs” and be more responsible. This argument can often be used to blame victims of sexual assault.

Everyone is at risk of becoming a victim of rape in the society that we live in today. The #MeToo movement exists for a reason. These victims should not be forced into nine months of the constant reminder that something horrific happened to them without their consent.

The argument isn’t whether you personally would have an abortion. The argument is whether or not women in general should have access to abortions should they choose to have one.

I don’t tell others what to do with their bodies, and I don’t want anyone telling me what to do with mine. I will always be pro-choice.

Jessica Stewart is a junior English education major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or at jrstewart3@eiu.edu.