US women’s magazine gives guidance on Satanic abortion rituals : Analysis

Cosmopolitan magazine has informed its 4.2 million Instagram followers about a ritualistic ‘Satanic’ abortion procedure carried out by an online clinic called ‘Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Satanic Abortion Clinic.’ The clinic’s name is a reference to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, who penned the ruling in the Dobbs v Jackson case, effectively overturning the Roe v Wade precedent and altering the legal landscape of abortion in the U.S. The Satanic Temple (TST), authoritatively recognized as a religious organization in the U.S., has teachings that guide the ritual.

The revelation follows a post made by Cosmopolitan involving a 37-year-old woman identified as Jessica who chose to incorporate a few ceremonial elements in her solo abortion experience. She is not a Satanist, according to the magazine. Participants are advised by Cosmopolitan to stare into a mirror and chant, “One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone,” while taking an abortion pill. The ritual concludes with the phrase, “By my body, my blood; by my will it is done.” Loved ones can be invited to observe the ritual, and participants are encouraged to light candles and dress up to feel empowered.

The Satanic Temple argues that its patients are participating in a religious ritual, a nuance that Cosmopolitan points out has significant legal implications. This distinction could potentially enable TST to extend its services to states where abortion is currently prohibited. Additionally, The Satanic Temple pledges to provide assistance to members seeking gender reassignment therapy confronted with governmental obstruction at any level. Their ‘Third Tenet’ posits that an individual’s bodily autonomy is a fundamental religious right, and TST allows ‘ordained Ministers of Satan’ to testify in support of members wishing to transition.

Analysis:

The sources quoted in the article are reliable, specifically The Satanic Temple and Cosmopolitan magazine. However, it’s worth noting that as a general-interest lifestyle magazine, Cosmopolitan’s primary objective is not necessarily journalistic rigor in areas like politics or health.

The presentation of facts seems comprehensive, but it lacks the counterarguments and perspectives from religious, medical, and ethical experts, which leaves the narrative one-sided. The article heavily relies on The Satanic Temple’s perspective, potentially resulting in some bias.

The political and cultural landscape surrounding topics like abortion and transgender rights undeniably affects the article’s reception. Given the current divisive climate over gender and reproductive rights combined with a growing skepticism towards media (reinforced by the prevalence of fake news), some readers might question the credibility or motives of the article.

Overall, while the information provided can broaden public understanding of the complex intersection of religion, medicine, and law, it remains essential for readers to seek out diverse and reputable sources when exploring such nuanced, controversial topics.

Source: RT news: US women’s magazine shares advice on ‘Satanic abortion ceremony’