Reproductive choice is not only a dire issue concerning women’s rights, but one of racial and economic justice. Limitations on reproductive health services disproportionately impact black, brown and low-income communities, therefore, upholding and perpetuating income inequality and white supremacy. The pro-life movement is not rooted in an appreciation for life, but is about political and social control. The anti-abortion movement and misogyny are deeply entwined.
So often, we see demonstrators yammering about the life of the unborn child with no regard to the life of the woman involved. Just because we have freedom of speech and religion in this country doesn’t mean that anyone has the right to inflict their beliefs onto another. I’m sure, for some, their intentions are based on those religious beliefs, but that still does not give them the right to steal the rights of others. No concern is voiced for the woman or girl involved, for her health and well-being. Which brings me to this question…why are women being treated like they are broodmares, like we have no say in the matter and our lives are less important than a fetus that has not yet formed into a baby? Where are all these people when that woman suffers health issues? Where are they when she can’t buy food because this birth has put her below the poverty level? The hypocrisy of it sickens me.
The World Health Organization defines reproductive health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely about issues related to the reproductive system. Body autonomy is defined as the right to make decisions about your own body, life and future, without coercion or violence. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right. Our basic freedoms hinge on the ability to control our reproductive health.
So, answer me this…why was a meeting held at the White House on women’s health and no women were included? Can you picture this…a room full of men, making important, life changing decisions about the female body and not a single female in the room? Most men do not understand the female body to begin with, so why are they making decisions about our health? This goes right back to the first statement…abortion bans are about controlling women with no concern as to how such decisions affect us.
Decades of research consistently show that abortion bans and restriction don’t reduce unintended pregnancy or the demand for abortion. It does, however, increase the risk of harm to women who find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy. Women in mid-life can face severe health risks that can be life-threatening. A lack of access to abortion may force a woman to carry a dead fetus longer than necessary because the procedure for treatment is the same as for abortion. Women suffering from cancer or other chronic conditions may be at serious risk during a pregnancy and are now being told they cannot obtain an abortion until their life is in jeopardy. That’s cutting it close, don’t you think? Not to mention, victims of rape are being forced to endure both physical and mental suffering, thus, being victimized for a second time.
Choice, for women, is not about biology. It’s about basic equality. There is no equality without reproductive rights. Pro-choice is about having the right to make choices about our bodies, our time, our minds, our emotions, our money, our thoughts, our votes and our voices.
Think about that before you start judging someone’s decisions about their body and trying to steal their right to make those decisions.