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In reply to the discussion: Hillary Clinton Answer On Abortion Leaves 'Pro-Life' Senator Speechless [View all]RecoveringJournalist
(148 posts)No it doesn't HAVE to be. But that does not mean that it isn't for the person undertaking the procedure, regardless of who does or doesn't say anything on the periphery. And morality is a completely moot point with me. I'm not talking about morality at all. My point is completely different. Abortion is unfortunately a completely unique type of surgical situation. Nothing else done to a man or woman surgically is in the same neighborhood. Therefore, an intelligent populace has no choice but to look at it somewhat differently. There's no way around that. It's NOT heart surgery. It's NOT a prostate exam. And just because people are looking at it differently does not mean that judgment is involved. Sure, some people do. But not everyone. I don't. And equally unfortunately, only women are subjected to the procedure. That's nature and not changeable. I DO wish men had the same type of situation applied to us. Then a lot of minds would be changed. But that's not something that's ever going to happen.
With all that said, I still believe abortion is a decision that should never be taken lightly. My mother had an illegal one (before me - and back when it was a whole different American situation.) And honestly, I'm lucky to be here. I almost was not. I also know several people who have had one since it became legal. Every one of them, my mother included, looks back on it with a bit of apprehension. It has stuck with them forever. Some have said things along the line of, "gee I wonder what the child would have been like." They're fine. But they are different people than before the procedure. Not better. Not worse. Just different.
If you can't see that I'm actually talking UP abortion and applauding the courageous women who undertake the procedure, then I feel bad for you because you are completely misinterpreting my POV.
So bottom line, abortion should be legal - safe - on demand, yes - and a thoughtful decision every time.