It is apparent there must be a different narrative regarding abortion in the post Roe v Wade era. We cannot allow rabid, histrionic extremists to continue to define this narrative and spread hatred, rage, and abuse on the rest of us.
There must be civil discourse and forward thinking minds to chart a course for the future.
“My body, My choice” is the message screamed. But is abortion the Choice they want for their bodies? Is this the call of the PRO CHOICE movement? This might need to be thought through and properly defined.
The PRO CHOICE message is what it says it is. The difference is the timing. WHEN do you make the CHOICE? BEFORE you become pregnant or AFTER? Are you PROACTIVE OR REACTIVE? That is the CHOICE. Being REACTIVE means you have given up the better CHOICE for your health and well being by becoming pregnant. Being PROACTIVE means you made a CHOICE to protect yourself rather than putting yourself through the ordeal of an abortion.
The alternative to abortion would be PROACTIVELY planning your sex life where unfortunate “mistakes” would be much less likely. Effective, affordable, available Contraception is a safer, more intelligent CHOICE.
WOMEN ARE NOT VICTIMS. Women have the power to “TAKE CHARGE” of their reproductive functions. No one usurps or takes away that power. Power is abdicated or given up by failing to use protection.
We must rapidly distance from extremists who attempt to promote a narrative of hatred, rage, and violence. This is unacceptable in a civilized society and does not bring forth the positive solutions we need. It only accentuates a pathological mind set determined to have its way regardless of the cost.
Catherine Burton M.A., LPC, LMFT