As a man, I find it difficult to speak about abortion. Not only is it sensitive subject matter to begin with, but as someone who biologically cannot have children, the topic only gets dicier.

It’s a thin line to walk, a slippery slope of religiously swayed opinions, teetering sensitivities and cold-hard facts. But, as a political enthusiast and future politician who hopes to one day obtain a position in public office, I find it difficult to hold my tongue when so many Americans are brought to their heels by sloppy and insensitive policymaking.

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA) introduced to Congress a federal version of the widely criticized and controversial “Heartbeat Bill.”

The bill, in its most basic definition, prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can occur roughly around six weeks into pregnancy.

On a state level, the bill has been introduced and voted on in eight states, most recently in Ohio. There the bill was voted on by both the House and Senate, but ultimately vetoed by Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R).

Currently, the federal version of the bill is being reviewed by Congress’ Judiciary Committee.

Despite anti-choice activists’ intrusive yearning to prevent women from deciding what is right for themselves, one of the major controversies regarding the bill is the fact that many women are not even aware that they are pregnant by that six week mark. By the time they do become aware, it would already be too late for them to make such a life altering decision.

The bill also has the capability of strong-arming doctors by forcing them to look for a fetal heartbeat prior to allowing an abortion to occur. If one is detected, but not disclosed to the mother, or is simply blatantly ignored, the doctor can face criminal fines and/or time in prison.

It also must be mentioned that a fetal heartbeat is different than that of a fully developed fetus. Many supporters of the bill define a fetal heartbeat as being the indicator of life, thus needing to be protected; however, what they fail to realize is that the heart at that stage in pregnancy isn’t even a fully functioning organ equivalent to that of a fully developed fetus.

Not only is the “Heartbeat Bill” based off of ignorant ideas of how a woman’s pregnancy works, but it diminishes the opportunity women have to obtain an abortion by scaring off the doctors needed in order to administer one.

Apart from a woman’s ability to decide what is best for herself, the Supreme Court landmark decisions of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey are also on the chopping block.

By law, due to the precedents set by these two landmark cases, abortion is permissible up until the point where the fetus can potentially have the chance of surviving outside of the womb.

They also point out that the states themselves have the ultimate say in regards to abortion regulation.

Many individuals who support the “Heartbeat Bill” believe such decisions to have been unconstitutional and wish to use the purposed bill to establish a new precedent, which will one day ultimately ban abortion altogether.

There’s no doubt that life is a sacred thing. It’s beautifully flawed and undoubtedly a gift to cherish.

But whether you’re religious or not, whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or whether you’re a man or woman, your right to decide what is best for your life should never be challenged.

An individual’s health and ability to have the life they want is not akin to that of clay, only to be molded by those who think they know best.

The “Heartbeat Bill” is a long way from actually becoming law, but if or when that unfortunate day arrives the one thing we must never  forget is that out of the ashes we have the capability to rise even stronger in order to fight for the rights we deserve.