I created this comic after reading the play Antigone by Sophocles. Using a theme from the book, I applied it to a modern day conflict. I chose the theme of authority and applied it to the topic of abortion. This is a relevant topic considering the current controversy concerning a woman’s right to abortion. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed each state to regulate abortion. Certain states such as Texas and Oklahoma have placed strict restrictions that make it nearly impossible to attain an abortion even if the mother’s health is threatened.
Doctors are sometimes confronted with a difficult dilemma - uphold the Hippocratic Oath to provide the best medical care for their patients vs. obeying strict state laws forbidding abortion. Violating the strict abortion laws can be punished with imprisonment or losing one’s medical license. I find this topic interesting and want to discuss conflicts and situations that could unfold due to this disagreement in authority. In particular, I want to illustrate the moral distress doctors confront.
