Student Presenter(s): Christine Lee
Faculty Mentor: Joerg Leheste, Arthur Klein
Department: Biological and Chemical Sciences
School/College: College of Arts and Sciences, Long Island

The undermining actions of both the state and federal governments to restrict abortion access after the decisions made by Roe vs. Wade has continued to pose a threat to the health and well-being of all birthing people. The United States House of Representatives bill H.R. 558 is designed to restrict the performance of the Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortion procedure most used in second-trimester abortions. If enacted, H.R.558 will work to restrict abortion access to birthing individuals who seek procedures during their second trimester which predominately includes individuals of color, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and marginalized communities. Further, an increase in maternal mortality, surging numbers of displaced children, and the overflow of orphanages and foster care systems are expected. In addition, the alignment of religious beliefs and political viewpoints as well as the importance of female representation in reproductive policy decisions are examined.