Post-Backlash Feminism
by Kellie Bean (McFarland & Co., 2007)
Blog Entries
"No one is pro-abortion"
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Finally, a public figure says it. And, happily, when millions are watching.
I have been making this same, simple, human, perfectly obvious point in my classes for years. No one is "pro-abortion"; indeed, the phrase itself is a lie, a distraction meant to suggest that anyone who does not vehemently oppose abortion in all cases must be perfectly comfortable with the procedure. It has been my experience that this is simply not the case.
Now, I do not presume to speak for Mr. Obama, but let me explain what I mean when I say, "No one is pro-abortion." As Obama pointed out last night, in all cases abortion is "a tragic situation." It's painful, expensive, hard to get, and often emotionally scarring. Ending a pregnancy is no small thing for anyone. If a woman is brought to this decision, be assured she is facing a host of other difficulties in her life. She's ill, she's in poverty, she's being beaten, her other children are not safe. In rare cases, termination is protocal to save the infant certain, painful death if the pregnancy is brought to term.
Abortion is unavailable in 84% of counties in the U.S., so first a woman must locate a medical facility, take time off work, gather together the money, probably arrange for babysitting, travel some distance, endure the procedure, recover and somehow return to her life afterward. Too often these things must be done in secret, since too many families and friends share McCain's distain for women facing times like these.
I am aggressively pro-choice, but in no way pro-abortion. My wish is that women never had to face a decision like this, that birth control were affordable, universally covered by insurance companies, and we lived in a country that truly attended to every child no matter in what neighborhood it was born or to whom. We do not live in such a place.
Unlike men, women are ideologically, politically and quite literally trapped in bodies that can reproduce. Men do not face the possibility of unwanted pregnancy, the medical risks, financial drain, the social complications and emotional toll. When Obama says "No one is pro-abortion," he acknowledges these things; he respects women and their privacy.
I have been making this same, simple, human, perfectly obvious point in my classes for years. No one is "pro-abortion"; indeed, the phrase itself is a lie, a distraction meant to suggest that anyone who does not vehemently oppose abortion in all cases must be perfectly comfortable with the procedure. It has been my experience that this is simply not the case.
Now, I do not presume to speak for Mr. Obama, but let me explain what I mean when I say, "No one is pro-abortion." As Obama pointed out last night, in all cases abortion is "a tragic situation." It's painful, expensive, hard to get, and often emotionally scarring. Ending a pregnancy is no small thing for anyone. If a woman is brought to this decision, be assured she is facing a host of other difficulties in her life. She's ill, she's in poverty, she's being beaten, her other children are not safe. In rare cases, termination is protocal to save the infant certain, painful death if the pregnancy is brought to term.
Abortion is unavailable in 84% of counties in the U.S., so first a woman must locate a medical facility, take time off work, gather together the money, probably arrange for babysitting, travel some distance, endure the procedure, recover and somehow return to her life afterward. Too often these things must be done in secret, since too many families and friends share McCain's distain for women facing times like these.
I am aggressively pro-choice, but in no way pro-abortion. My wish is that women never had to face a decision like this, that birth control were affordable, universally covered by insurance companies, and we lived in a country that truly attended to every child no matter in what neighborhood it was born or to whom. We do not live in such a place.
Unlike men, women are ideologically, politically and quite literally trapped in bodies that can reproduce. Men do not face the possibility of unwanted pregnancy, the medical risks, financial drain, the social complications and emotional toll. When Obama says "No one is pro-abortion," he acknowledges these things; he respects women and their privacy.
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http://writeandcreate.wordpress.com
06:46 PM on October 22, 2008
Hi Kellie,
<br>
<br>Somehow accidently came accross your blog. You have writen with clarity, passion and purpose in both of the posts I have just read. The economic and political situation in the USA affects us all. I have read negative and positive about both parties, and I sure know who I wouldn't vote for. Do I believe in the remaining candidate...hmm.
<br>
<br>As for midlife, you seem to be somewhat clearer here too. I'm rediscovering the woman in me after 19 years of mothering.
<br>
<br>Looking forward to reading more.
<br>
<br>Regards
<br>
<br>Brigit
