One Woman's Choice

[MountainLaurel]

A poignant story . . .

"So when do you go for the abortion?'' my friend asked, her voice sympathetic.

"Wednesday,'' I replied, and then hurriedly got off the phone. I called Mike, my boyfriend, in tears, complaining about how inconsiderate people are, how no one thinks before they speak. The truth was, until I heard the word "abortion,'' it hadn't occurred to me that I was actually having one.

I was, of course. But we'd been using euphemisms for days, ever since my doctor called to say my amniocentesis results "weren't good.'' We'd say "when we go to the hospital'' or "the appointment" or "after the procedure, we can try again.''

We were driving to the post office, Mike and I, near our home when my cell phone rang and I recognized the OB-GYN's number. I said, "It's the doctor,'' and then, a little later, "Oh, no.'' Mike pulled over and held my hand while I listened. It didn't take long; the doctor didn't have much to say. He suggested we digest the news and call him later.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/11/AR2005111102212.html

[bleedingheart]

1. that story made me cry...and it highlights why I am pro choice

none of us can walk in the other's shoes...

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[Katherine Brengle]

4. so sad....

[Ayesha]

5. Sad

That some people's prejudice against people with disabilities endangers the right to safe, EARLY abortion for other women. This kind of story is exactly why some of us don't feel that ALL abortions should be legal or morally justifiable. And it gives wingnuts in states like South Dakota ammunition to do what they've done. We are not talking about anencephaly, or another fatal condition, these are people with potential and abilities who are being aborted in the later 2nd and even 3rd trimester due to hate. Doctors pressure women to abort fetuses with DS and spina bifida, and don't tell them the truth that life with these conditions is as full and happy as life for anyone else.



Chris Burke, actor with Down Syndrome



Andrea Friedman, actor with Down Syndrome



Painting by Michael Jurogue Johnson, artist with Down Syndrome

Myths and facts about DS:
http://www.angelsofdare.org/facts.htm

Two friends of mine with spina bifida, both talented and intelligent people

[musical_soul]

6. That's not the point.

The point isn't to say that a person can't live with down syndrom. The woman even said it would be rewarding.

The point is that we all might have our own reasons for choosing to have an abortion or to give birth. It shouldn't be up to outsiders to make the choices that are best for us. It should be us. We know what is best for ourselves.