Abortion is a collection of some of the most difficult issues related to human growth and development.
—Life Choices
Abortion isn’t really or only about abortion. It’s about women’s power in life, and learning to take conscious responsibility for life on earth. For most women, there’s nothing wrong and everything right about having an abortion. So, what’s the source of the idea that abortion is terrible and a problem? For complete answers, you’ll have to read my book! But meanwhile, consider doing the following:
1. Speak freely about abortion. Cut through the shame and stigma in any way you can.
2. Support your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to speak out and include abortion in the normal course of daily conversations.
3. Be a good listener if there is someone in your life who is upset about abortion. It’s natural and normal to have feelings.
4. Don’t play into the false division between “pro-choice” and “pro-life.” No one is against life. The slogans serve to perpetuate nasty power conflicts that have their root in narrow, unthought-through attitudes about sex and life.
5. Rise above the hysteria that blankets the news about abortion. Don’t play into the over-sensationalizing that goes on in the U.S. Large numbers of women have had or will have abortions in their lifetime. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s normal.
6. Support local health organizations that provide abortions. Let them know you support them by writing or calling them. Volunteer with them if you can. Send them flowers. Let them know you’re grateful they’re there, especially if you live in an area where clinics and doctors are being harassed.
They are:
the FAN clinics (Feminist Abortion Network).
the members of ACN (Abortion Care Network).
the members of NAF (National Abortion Federation).
Stay tuned for Part 2 in my next blog post. Happy Spring, everyone!
