Anti-Abortion Advocates Push for Criminal Charges Against Women Seeking Abortions

By CHRISTINE FERNANDO

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the landscape of the abortion debate in the United States is becoming increasingly polarized. Kristan Hawkins, president of the anti-abortion organization Students for Life, has noted a significant shift in the reactions she faces while visiting college campuses. Traditionally met with pro-choice protests, Hawkins is now encountering dissent from within her ranks—specifically, from those identifying as abortion abolitionists.

These individuals advocate for the removal of all abortion rights, viewing the procedure as homicide. This ideology pushes for punitive measures against women seeking abortions. As Hawkins describes, their protests have become so intense that she has had to enhance security at her events, reflecting the growing tension not only from abortion supporters but also from fellow opponents. “I’m pretty sure they protest me more than they protest Planned Parenthood,” she remarked, alluding to the heightened aggression she’s experiencing.

Internal Conflict Among Anti-Abortion Activists

The division within the anti-abortion movement is becoming more pronounced. While mainstream groups generally shy away from suggesting that women should face criminal charges for having abortions, abortion abolitionists advocate for treating abortion as a crime equivalent to homicide. This rift has been emphasized following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision, which allowed states more leeway in enacting stringent abortion laws.

Legal experts such as Rachel Rebouche, dean at the Temple University Beasley School of Law, highlight how the reversal of Roe v. Wade has energized both mainstream and abolitionist factions. The abolitionist movement, once viewed as marginal, is gaining traction and influence as states begin enacting stricter laws against abortion. In fact, Hawkins herself expressed concern that threats come more often from within her own movement.

The online exchanges have been fierce. Hawkins noted that when she voiced her concerns about safety on social media, she faced a barrage of hostile comments from abortion abolitionists. Some responses labeled her as “an accessory to murder” or called for her resignation, reflecting a brutal online climate where dissenting views are harshly attacked.

Legislative Trends Toward Criminalization

Legislative activity across numerous states indicates a shift towards criminalizing women who seek abortions. Bills introduced in at least twelve states—such as Alabama, Texas, and Georgia—could allow women to be charged with homicide for having an abortion. Some of these proposals even suggest capital punishment as a possible penalty, signaling a dramatic escalation in anti-abortion rhetoric.

In Alabama, lawmakers recently proposed legislation to classify abortion as a form of murder. Opposition to these laws is growing, with public opposition recorded—about 80% of Americans are against criminal penalties for women who undergo abortions, according to a September 2022 poll by KFF. Yet, as Dana Sussman from Pregnancy Justice notes, the number of bills targeting these issues has surged, showing that extreme views are becoming more normalized within the political discourse.

Abolitionist Influence in Politics

Prominent figures like Dusty Deevers, a Republican state senator in Oklahoma, have actively campaigned on an anti-abortion platform. Deevers expressed frustration over the mainstream factions’ reluctance to pursue aggressive anti-abortion legislation, indicating that their compromises dilute the cause. Despite setbacks, he views efforts to challenge the status quo as a form of progress.

In opposition, some anti-abortion organizations have spoken against the criminalization of women, viewing it as detrimental to the overall movement. North Dakota Representative Matt Ruby pointed out that divisive actions and rhetoric only work to hinder collective goals, suggesting that unity is essential for advancing their cause.

The Future of the Anti-Abortion Movement

Hawkins has categorized the anti-abortion movement into three factions: those advocating for criminal charges against women, those opposing such measures, and a middle ground accepting potential future changes in penalties as societal views evolve. She identifies with the third group but warns that public endorsements of harsh penalties for women will weaken the movement’s broader electoral strategy.

As the political landscape shifts and more laws begin to reflect the abolitionist ideology, the potential for increased tensions continues to grow within the anti-abortion movement. How these internal divisions play out will be pivotal in shaping future actions and strategies across the spectrum of anti-abortion advocacy.