The relevance of Atwood’s satirical world is still very much relevant today. Especially concerning the recent debate about reproductive rights. It is extremely difficult to discuss this without first deciding on when a person becomes a “full person”. Is it when they are first conceived or does “full personhood” only occur after birth when a personality is developed?  I personally believe there is no definitive answer to this question, but for the purposes of this posting I will take the stance that “full personhood” is granted after birth. In the case of the woman in Nebraska it is clear that the state values the fetus over the woman’s own personal happiness and well being. Which is very reminisant of Offred and the other handmaids situations, where their sole purpose is to reproduce, and their wombs are the most valued parts of them. This woman’s particular case also reminds me of the stance the government takes in the handmaids tale which is get them pregnant young, in this case their own maturity or ability to raise a child. To go off on another tangent but it is also clear that the state is more concerned with the rights of the fetus than that of the mother, as she very clearly states that she is unprepared to raise a child and would not be able to do it properly. But the state only seems to care about the quality of life the child has while in the womb, and not the quality of life it would have out in the world. It is also interesting to note that many people who are pro-life are anti welfare, and as this woman is in no position to be able to financially support a child her only option would be welfare. This begs the question as to why the fetus seems to be more important than the actual human being. This is where the American government differs as in Gilead the child would be cared for no matter what as they are valuable resources. Its also worthwhile to bring up the point that many pro-life supporters are religious, and by attempting to ban abortions they are technically imposing their values on people who do not share the same ones. Which is extremely unfair, however is shows the power of religion which I think is one of the points that atwood is trying to make in Handmaid’s tale However in my opinion I feel the state should not have a role in deciding on if someone has a baby , at the end of the day it is an extremely personal choice. And if the mother is unready then both carry repercussions that they will have to carry with them.