For years, women in the pro-choice movement have been demanding that the government maintain a hands-off attitude on matters involving women’s sexuality, contraception, and abortion. They have been promoting the concept that law should never control individual freedom; even if one’s personal beliefs are in conflict with those of the majority.

This is an idealistic stance that tends to miss the basic concept that all are not exactly equal. In particular, it does not take into account the plight of women who live at or below the poverty level. True, there is increasing awareness about this group of women, but mostly on the level of grassroots fundraising to support their needs – presumably, the logic is that women, who are concerned about choice and have money to spare, should help other women in need. A laudable venture, but it remains a limited and temporary fix to what will be a long-standing problem.

Beyond fighting to preserve (and regain) rights and freedoms, there is another issue looming that will have to be addressed by current and future pro-choice activists. The current philosophy that the government should stay out of women’s affairs helps mostly the women with means to pay for services and contraception, and have access to education. Women without those advantages are essentially locked out of benefiting from many of the advances made by the current pro-choice movement.

The government’s role in protecting women’s choice should be re-evaluated. Freedom through keeping the government out is not freedom for all women. Governmental involvement is needed to preserve rights for those who need it the most – those who cannot afford treatment and pharmaceuticals, and who do not have access to appropriate education on reproductive health. Well-meaning pro-choice organizations are not in a position to provide for all of these women.

After years of trying to get the government out of women’s reproductive health issues, the focus must change. The government is the only viable entity to ensure that all women, regardless of financial means or educational level, have access to necessary reproductive health care, contraceptives, and abortion. It is a terrifying concept when even the right to an abortion for women with financial means is in peril. But it is an issue that must be addressed, and planned for now. Even if the idea of getting the government to provide full coverage for women seeking contraception, reproductive health services and abortions merely remains in the back of activists’ minds now, it is better than not accepting that this will be the issue of the future.