Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
Showing Original Post only (View all)I am pro-abortion, not just pro-choice: 10 reasons why we must support the procedure and the choice [View all]
I believe that abortion care is a positive social good -- and I think its time people said so ~VALERIE TARICORecently, the Daily Kos published an article titled I Am Pro-Choice, Not Pro-Abortion. Has anyone ever truly been pro-abortion? one commenter asked.
Uh. Yes. Me. That would be me.
I am pro-abortion like Im pro-knee-replacement and pro-chemotherapy and pro-cataract surgery. As the last protection against ill-conceived childbearing when all else fails, abortion is part of a set of tools that help women and men to form the families of their choosing. I believe that abortion care is a positive social good. I suspect that a lot of other people secretly believe the same thing. And I think its time we said so.
As an aside, Im also pro-choice. Choice is about who gets to make the decision. The question of whether and when we bring a new life into the world is, to my mind, one of the most important decisions a person can make. It is too big a decision for us to make for each other, and especially for perfect strangers.
But independent of who owns the decision, Im pro on the procedure, and Ive decided that its time, for once and for all, to count it out on my 10 fingers.
1. Im pro-abortion because being able to delay and limit childbearing is fundamental to female empowerment and equality. A woman who lacks the means to manage her fertility lacks the means to manage her life. Any plans, dreams, aspirations, responsibilities or commitmentsno matter how importanthave a great big contingency clause built: until or unless I get pregnant, in which case all bets are off.
...
2. Im pro-abortion because well-timed pregnancies give children a healthier start in life. We now have ample evidence that babies do best when women are able to space their pregnancies and get both pre-natal and pre-conception care. The specific nutrients we ingest in the weeks before we get pregnant can have a lifelong effect on the wellbeing of our offspring. Rapid repeat pregnancies increase the risk of low birthweight babies and other complications. Wanted babies are more likely to get their toes kissed, to be welcomed into families that are financially and emotionally ready to receive them, to get preventive medical care during childhood and the kinds of loving engagement that helps young brains to develop.
Much more that has me applauding in agreement here: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/24/i_am_pro_abortion_not_just_pro_choice_10_reasons_why_we_must_support_the_procedure_and_the_choice/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Abortion: a moral & positive choice that liberates women, saves lives, & protects families
InfoView thread info, including edit history
TrashPut this thread in your Trash Can (My DU » Trash Can)
BookmarkAdd this thread to your Bookmarks (My DU » Bookmarks)
136 replies, 11950 views
ShareGet links to this post and/or share on social media
AlertAlert this post for a rule violation
PowersThere are no powers you can use on this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
ReplyReply to this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
Rec (149)
ReplyReply to this post
136 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I am pro-abortion, not just pro-choice: 10 reasons why we must support the procedure and the choice [View all]
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
OP
I wish we'd focus more on this as a party. Our collective complacency feeds the movement to restrict
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#8
Amen. And it is a timely article given some recent conversations here on DU.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#10
GOOD one. We just absolutely have to STOP using the enemy's memes and messaging and framings.
calimary
Apr 2015
#81
7. I’m pro-abortion because contraceptives are imperfect, and people are too.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#14
I, too am 100% pro-condom! But since 1 in 6 result in pregnancy, also pro-abortion.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#17
It was a bit of a rhetorical question. We both know for a fact that it is not.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#85
I am also pro-condom, but condoms can fail. There HAS to be a variety of options.
calimary
Apr 2015
#80
typically 86 out of 100 women will get pregnant using male condoms over 10 years
nashville_brook
Apr 2015
#27
Sigh. As the poets Anthrax would say, "Talking to some is like clapping with one hand"
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#121
I've never been reticent about saying that abortion is a positive thing. That's why
Nay
Apr 2015
#33
That's not a rebuttal, that's a childish reply unworthy of further discussion.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#37
that's some offensive BS...did you think women aren't aware of what idiots think?
nashville_brook
Apr 2015
#64
this radical feminist believes abortion unique and ends a life, and that mothers get to make that choice
zazen
Apr 2015
#38
a "person is as a person does?" then many disabled/elderly don't qualify as persons
zazen
Apr 2015
#77
Yeah, admittedly I am a bit defensive on the issue because of the sweeping legislation restricting
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#83
The right to abortion is meaningless without the means to get one. Please give generously.
eggplant
Apr 2015
#41
I used to give to Planned Parenthood, but I've shifted my donations to local Abortion Funds.
eggplant
Apr 2015
#47
"Was" great for providing low-cost healthcare to women... Texas has decimated them
ScreamingMeemie
Apr 2015
#57
You are perfectly right about the you and us. I am not behind you and neither is or will be
A Simple Game
Apr 2015
#73
Abortion is an important part of choice. If you support choice, you support abortion.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#112
Whether I choose an abortion, or you choose an abortion, or the woman down the street chooses an
A Simple Game
Apr 2015
#117
I don't think I have the right to control women, that's why I am pro-choice.
A Simple Game
Apr 2015
#99
That's what we call "soft support" and it leads to complacency while access is being restricted.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#100
Please provide a link, I can find no poll that shows a majority are pro-abortion.
A Simple Game
Apr 2015
#96
Ok, it's a long page maybe I missed it. Please tell me about where on the
A Simple Game
Apr 2015
#104
Excellent post! If the right wing had their way, the Duggars would be all of us.
Rozlee
Apr 2015
#79
Thank you. Six out of ten abortions are performed on women who are already mothers.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#90
I agree. I tell people I'm pro-abortion, too. Abortion is a remedy, not a fuckin' sin. nt
valerief
Apr 2015
#113
I, too am 100% pro-condom! But since 1 in 6 result in pregnancy, also pro-abortion.
PeaceNikki
Apr 2015
#115
I have never felt that way... this is how I feel: It should be a widely shared option
ScreamingMeemie
Apr 2015
#127