tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61811926713138240962024-02-19T17:44:37.676-08:00My Voice, My Choice, My BlogA blog from the Chicago Abortion Fund
www.chicagoabortionfund.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-85725479374773874612014-10-16T07:48:00.000-07:002014-10-16T07:48:25.447-07:00Reflecting on Privilege <br />
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As a U.S born citizen I was born with many privileges. For one, I was not considered an "illegal" I am able to walk the streets without fear of being stopped by the police in regards to my immigration status (I mean I could be stopped for other reasons but then again I am a light skinned, female identified girl and that in its own way is a privilege. I am less likely to be stopped than a male identified Black or Brown individual). I could attend school and it would not be denied to me because after all it is my right, my right as a citizen of the U.S. I could leave the country, visit my sister who currently lives in Honduras, I could reenter the country with no problem. I remember growing up my mami whom I love dearly would tell me "when you are in school you say you are an American, you are a U.S Citizen, say it with pride" I was never taught to reject my citizenship, my country. In elementary school when I talked with classmates they would ask me "where are you from" and I naively would reply "I am from here, I am American" the other Latino kids would laugh and say "no only White people are American" and they would go on and share their own identified nationalities/culture/heritage. Eight year olds would proudly say " I am Dominican" "I am Puerto Rican" "I am Mexican" "I am Dominican and Puerto Rican". I think that was around the time my own beliefs of identifying as American began to be challenged.<br />
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I remember returning home from school and asking my mami where she was born and if she was also born in the U.S. My mom explained she was born in Honduras and that is where her nationality is. I then began to ask her questions as to why I couldn't simply say I was Hondurian if she was from there and I came from her. At the time I could not understand it was my mothers way of protecting me from the daily injustices and struggles she overcame simply because she was an undocumented person living in the United States. She didn't want me to harbor hate or resentment towards the so called land of opportunity. Now don't get me wrong I think I have been privileged to obtain an education, despite how shitty was the public education I received it was still an education. I am thankful to have had teachers while in H.S who truly believed in me and encouraged me to attend college. I am thankful I was able to obtain a degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies and I am especially thankful during my time in my undergrad I connected with professors who have molded me and guided me into who I want to be. Professors that until this day I am blessed to keep in contact with. However, I still cannot help but feel resentment towards my own country and how it continues to marginalize my people in this so called "post racial America".<br />
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I can't seem to understand how students and at that students of color are walking into these thousands and thousands of dollars in debt just to obtain an education that should be free. Then I also think about how undocumented students who have lived here for most of their lives and even to those who have not and want to obtain an higher education are limited simply because they 1. they are not welcomed here. 2. because they don't have a piece of paper stating they can reside here.<br />
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This is why we need have conversations on reproductive justice, because ones legal status in this country is an RJ issue, one access to education is an RJ issue, ones feelings of safety within their community is an RJ issue, loan debt on college tuition is an RJ issue!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-71984239166169614172014-05-09T12:50:00.003-07:002014-05-09T12:50:54.000-07:00CPS and Our Youth <br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday on my commute back from work I came across an article on the Reader, (my new favorite free weekly newspaper!) titled <b><i>"The Trials of a Neighborhood High School" </i></b>This article lifted my spirits in so many ways. First I truly appreciated how this article gave voice to one of its students as she was able to express how her high school and her mentors have motivated her supported her and have become family to her. She explains her challenge with anger and all the factors that have played a role to her anger. Intersections of race, class, gender, socioeconomic status and gentrification all impact our youth and our communities. Issues of gentrification have become a predominant problem for Chicago public schools as they struggle for funding and competing charter schools. Reading this article made me reflect on my young clients who have limited access to the education they deserve to obtain and as well to the education they are unable to obtain. Education is a reproductive justice issue, if our youth are not able to obtain a strong education and build meaningful relationships within their schools how will this affect them long term? How will they have the knowledge or the tools to exercise their choices, to speak their truths, to voice their rights and concerns if our education system failed to give it to our youth. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This article did a great job on stressing the importance of building strong relationships with youth. It also did a great job on focusing on how positive mentorship makes an impact in our youth. Not sure if anyone is familiar with the unfortunate incident that occurred in the back of the yards between two girls who became involved in an altercation which led to one of them being shot and killed. I believe if we had more mentorships, access and opportunities within our public schools, situations like these would not happen, or at least would diminish. For instance the Principal Raichoudhuri points out "Out of school suspension should be a last resort, when students are in the streets they may get harmed, or harm somebody" I agree with this statement, I think we too often criminalize our youth and if as workers and activists took the time to access, learn, identify strengths and connect them to resources we could truly make a change within our communities. This article reminded me of </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a conversation with one of my youth who shared with me the lack of support his family gave him but he also shared with me how he considered his neighbors as his family. This young person shares similarities with youth written about in this article.I truly believe sometimes we have to detach ourselves from our birth family and adopt our chosen family. On the other hand, with the right attitude and state of mind schools can be the support system of youth, such as Wells High school</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. A high school</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that although is struggling to stay afloat and challenging stereotypes it is still able to maintain its resiliency</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and be there for their students. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For anyone who would like to read the article please find it in this url link: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 9px;">http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/segregation-neighborhood-high-schools-wells-community-academy/Content?oid=13362509#.U20m2AiNeM4.facebook</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-18888442930483392632014-04-28T12:10:00.002-07:002014-04-28T12:10:29.334-07:00Lone Mississippi Clinic Fights to Remain OpenThere is only one abortion clinic in the state of Mississippi. Let that sit and marinate for a moment. For the entire state, there is only one clinic providing safe abortion services to the women of Mississippi. This alone is enough to make you shake your head in disbelieve, but the worst is yet to come. In 2012, Jackson's Women's Health Organization required its doctors to have admitting privileges to nearby hospitals. After unsuccessful attempts (due to local hospital's "not wanting to deal with the potential political backlash" after granting the 2 doctors admitting privilege) the clinic is now "non- compliant." This TRAP (targeted regulations against providers) law is one of many throughout the U.S. designed to stop women from having abortions. Elected officials try to validate their war on women by saying that these and similar laws are meant to protect women or keep them safe. Newsflash: an abortion is on of these safest medical procedures! Also, the governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant, has went on record saying that he will sign any anti- abortion bill because he essentially wants to overturn Roe v. Wade and abolish abortion in the U.S.<br />
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Anti- abortion legislation is not meant to protect or keep women safe; it's quite the opposite. When women don't have access to safe and affordable reproductive health care such as abortion services, we will resort to unsafe measures to end an unwanted pregnancy. Stripping women of their constitutional right to have an abortion or implementing laws that restrict access to such services is the problem: not the other way around!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-79159060786823458052014-04-27T14:09:00.001-07:002014-04-27T14:09:17.210-07:00The Power of Self-Awareness I was reflecting on our outreach experience in Pilsen and Little Village. As a Latina I instantly became aware of my own fears. I thought to myself how traditional cultural norms are deeply embedded in me and how this awareness helps me challenge them. Some of my fears consisted of "this is my first time doing this, what will I say if someone is judgmental?" "How will I react if someone curses me for the work I believe in and feel passionate about" As I began to engage in conversation with local community members I became surprised by their response to the information I was sharing with them. I remember talking with one older woman who was setting up her local business and as I explained to her the work we did, she smiled and shared how thankful she was that we were out here in her community sharing this information. She shared her concerns of young Latina girls not being able to have the access to exercise all their choices because of the lack of education that exist. I thought to myself how in many ways this woman challenged my assumptions of the community. Here I was assuming (as in many cases at some point we all do) that because Pilsen and Little Village are predominately a Latino heavily religious community I would instantly get backlash. I truly was thankful for my interaction with her, she taught me something new and reminded of the importance of this work. How powerful is to talk with people in the community, to engage in important conversation, to learn from our elders.<br />
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Although I encountered people who were receptive I also experienced unpleasent experiences and I thought to myself, what do I win in treating this person with the same disrespect. My mother has taught me the importance of practicing compassion with a challenging individual. When we practice compassion we are able to see through their negative behavior. I reflected and thought did this individual react this way due to fear? Fear of the different? Did she react this way because she felt I disrespected her values, norms and beliefs? In social work we learn of the importance of meeting the client where they are. I believe I should carry this kind of thinking with every interaction, I can't pressure someone to shift their thinking if they simply are not ready. When we practice kindness, patience, compassion we are able to make impact and change. Sometimes we want to rush things, rush thought process, rush c-h-a-n-g-e. Activism creates change, but we have to practice it every single day, remain persistent, have a positive outlook even in times when we feel most defeated.<br />
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It is important to remain self- aware. Our self-awareness will help us make the best decisions in our every day interactions.<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-4515881096075198942014-02-26T10:43:00.001-08:002014-02-26T10:46:01.135-08:00Stop PNA Good afternoon MVMC blog readers!<br />
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If you don't know already, there was a horrible law passed in August of 2013 limiting access to abortions for teens in Illinois. It is known as the Parental Notification of Abortion Law. The law states that anyone 17 and under is required to notify a parent or legal guardian 48 hours before their procedure. If a teen chooses not to notify a parent/legal guardian they may be able to receive a judicial bypass from the court. A judge is able to waiver the parental notification if the judge sees the young person as "fit" to have an abortion. This is an extremely unfair law passed by Illinois legislatures, but that is a post for another day.<br />
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I'm writing this to inform you that CAF will be teaming up with ICAH (Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health), ACLU (American Civil and Liberties Union), and other organizations for Advocacy Day in the beginning of April. I'm so excited! We will travel down to Springfield with other allies and organizations to promote the Stop PNA Campaign. There will be a training, state legislator meetings, and a youth-led rally. Anyone 14 and older can attend without a parent or legal guardian, but they have to have the permission form signed by one. Anyone under the age of 14 can attend, but they need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.<br />
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If you are interested and want to help in the fight to repeal this law visit:<br />
<a href="http://www.stoppna.org/">www.stoppna.org</a><br />
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You will find all the forms and information needed to attend Advocacy Day on the website.<br />
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To learn more about judicial bypass and groups doing great work helping the young people affected by this visit:<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1409412561">http://ilbypasscoordinationproject.org/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1409412561">http://icah.org/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1409412561">http://www.personalpac.org/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.1in3campaign.org/en/">http://www.1in3campaign.org/en/</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358887660794935122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-72152383637647315022014-02-09T09:41:00.000-08:002014-02-10T18:18:43.780-08:00Challenging Comfort Zones! Happy Sunday morning!<br />
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Let me start by sharing with you all one of my favorite quote of all times! "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" I find this quote to be truly powerful, for me specifically I have learned as the years progress I find it harder to step outside of my comfort zone, so I challenge myself. Although at times I may find myself feeling confused, scared, or worrisome I do it anyway. I moved from NYC to Chicago in search of something powerful, of finding myself and engaging in powerful work, learn new ideas, continue to grow in many ways. Chicago has led me to this powerful organization, Chicago Abortion Fund. I am lucky to be a part of Caf as the reproductive justice fellow, but I am even luckier to immerse myself in something that challenges me every single day. I believe the choices you make teach you and shape you in so many ways, some for the positive some for the negative but nonetheless you learn something from each one of them and that is simply beautiful.<br />
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As a social work student I find myself challenging myself and as a newbie to issues on reproductive justice I find myself speaking my mind in the classroom and discussing the intersections of a woman's life that lead her to make decisions, and at times difficult decisions. In one of our classes our professor asked us to think about an issue or belief that you had during some time in your life and changed. Well, I shared my history with abortion. As a young girl I grew up believing abortion was something morally wrong and I even identified as a pro-life. It was not until my sophomore year in college where my thinking process began to shift and I began to learn that life situations are not black and white and there is so much gray. Issues on race, class, gender, socioeconomic status all shape and impact a woman and her family differently. It is the intersections of our lives that shape us and impact us differently.<br />
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As I graduated and became a caseworker for a domestic violence shelter I learned of the stories of my clients. Some of my clients were pregnant considering abortion due to their current circumstances meanwhile others had gone through with an abortion and although feeling relived still had shame attached to them. Getting clients to process though this helped them to reflect on the reasons they made their decision. These discussions got me thinking about the impact our society makes and how it influences our beliefs. If abortion were something accepted by society none of my clients would feel shame.<br />
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I then went on a shared on my own abortion. How it was that moment in my life where my belief was truly challenged, where I was stepping outside of my comfort zone and talking about a personal story although a difficult one, it is a decision that I do not regret because it allowed to continue my path to education, and allowed me to continue helping my aging mother.<br />
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Therefore, by having advocacy organizations such as Caf they each help remove the stigma and educate about the larger issues connected to abortion such as racism, sexism, poverty and how they impact women in many ways. Choice is a powerful and beautiful, we need to continue to advocate for it. Decision making is beautiful too, its transformative.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-70123459719092036672014-01-31T12:14:00.000-08:002014-01-31T12:19:42.493-08:00Uh Duh!<br />
Yep! You guessed it! Women actually have brains and can think for themselves! It's not rocket science, however elected officials feel that the more restrictions they put in place, the better off a woman will be. What they are failing to realize is that they cannot control women.....no matter how hard they try. If a woman has chosen abortion, she will seek an abortion. She will travel to another state if there are no providers where she is. She will pawn her valuables, if she doesn't have enough money. She will look at an ultrasound, and still make HER decision. So as these "so-called" elected officials haven't gotten the clue....they may indeed need to take up rocket science! Focus on minimum wage, the SNAP program, unemployment benefits, affordable housing, the military spending budget.......be productive! <br />
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http://news.yahoo.com/seeing-ultrasound-rarely-changes-abortion-plans-study-193720235.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-23849568557841533412014-01-30T13:47:00.002-08:002014-01-30T13:47:44.730-08:00HR 7HR 7, also known as the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" passed in the House of Representatives earlier this week. This bill would essentially restrict private insurance from covering abortion. The Hyde Amendment already restricts federal funds from covering abortion with exceptions for rape, incest, and life endangerment. If the bill were to pass in the Senate (slim chances in the majority Democratic Senate), President Obama has vowed to veto it! Even though Republicans know this bill won't go anywhere, they're using it to send the message that their war on women is ongoing with full steam ahead. I suggest they use the time, effort and taxpayers money to introduce/ pass bills elsewhere such as *ahem* unemployment benefit extensions or early childhood education or raising minimum wage!! Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-44736224466488276262014-01-23T12:04:00.000-08:002014-01-23T12:04:06.245-08:00A Mother's StruggleI used to wonder how I could ever go back to college while raising three young children, working part- time and sharing a two-bedroom apartment. "If I go to school I'll miss out on seeing my children for nearly 15 hours per day. I can't look for a full- time job because I'm in school and working part- time already and we all know looking for a job is a full- time job. Who is going to look after my children while working and in school? Sure, there are daycare centers but they close at 6 p.m. How will I afford two baby sitters when I can barely afford one? I didn't get my period this month. Please don't let me be pregnant!!! I am trying my best right now and I am barely making it. I can't mentally or physically become a mother again at this time. What will I do? If I have an abortion how will I pay for it. My half of the rent and utilities is due. I'm already short on those. One of my children is sick and her primary physician's office is closed. Maybe I can take her to the clinic next to gas station. Sure it's not well maintained and is a bit dirty but at least there open. Or I could take her to the emergency room and sit for 7 hours because her illness isn't "life threatening." Now I have to reschedule my own doctor's appointment because I was at the emergency room all night. Oh , no, there was a shooting near the girls school today. I hope my boss will let me leave early so that I can safely get the girls home and make it to class in time to take my final exam. There has to be another way."<br />
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These are not fabricated or exaggerated thoughts. These are the thoughts of a single mother trying to raise her children the best way she knows how with limited resources. These were my thoughts and true events. Being a parent is one of the hardest tasks I've ever faced. With limited or no resources, the job is much harder. Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-15739597635692105982013-07-12T12:24:00.003-07:002013-07-12T12:24:45.606-07:00Parental Notification in Illinois......Yesterday was a sad day for teens indeed. Doctors now have to notify the parents of a teen seeking an abortion 48 hours before their procedure. Once while lobbying in Springfield, a state representative said he was in support of parental notification because he would want to know about his daughter's decision to have an abortion. We like to think we live in a society where children live in 2 parent households who are supportive parents or even have parents at all. The reality is that isn't always the case. Some teens don't have parents or even a place to call home. What if the young women was raped (since we all know this culture promotes rapes and blames the woman) and doesn't want to tell her parents about any of it. Or what if the teen is a sex worker? The list goes on and on. Parental notification doesn't help anyone! All is does is further push society's need to control every single thing in women and girls lives. And what about the message it's sending to our youth? "You can't possibly be mentally able to make a decision like this!" Wait, that's the same argument people use when teens choose to carry a pregnancy to term and raise their children, right! I thought so. So again I must reiterate, yesterday was a very sad day for teens in Illinois. America has seen a flood of anti- abortion bills and Illinois has fell in line. Don't impose your freaking views on someone else's body!!!!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-68220249649348030942013-04-15T10:38:00.002-07:002013-04-15T10:38:34.896-07:00Say What???!!! Wait, I'm Not Surprised At All.....So Paul Ryan wants anti- choice citizens to "respect the views of the pro-choice community and then encourage them to change them." Isn't that the opposite of respecting someone's views? He recently told the students of Howard University that the Republican party was the party of the Civil Rights Movement. What books have Ryan been reading? And let's not forget the agenda of the Republican National Committee, calling for more inclusion and outreach to women, minorities and gay people but not to make changes in policy. Reaching out to these group means changing policies. There is no other reason for "reaching out" unless the RNC is going to change its way of thinking. Perhaps the two sides will have tea and discussing the plethora of bills the RNC wishes to pass that will further oppress them. Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-66445675402507737112013-04-05T13:03:00.002-07:002013-04-05T13:03:37.226-07:00The Reopening of Dr. Tiller's ClinicThis week the Trust Women Foundation has<span id="goog_1950189848"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1950189849"></span> reopened the slain doctor's clinic under the new name, South Wind Women's Center, in Kansas. Dr. Tiller was murdered in 2009 by an anti- choice lunatic inside a church. The new clinic will offer abortion services for women up to 14 weeks gestation. News like this really motivates me to continuing the work that I do. Regardless of any gun- carrying lunatic or anti- choice legislation, the movement continues, just as Dr. Tiller would have wanted. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/04/us-usa-abortion-kansas-idUSBRE93305020130404?feedType=RSS">http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/04/us-usa-abortion-kansas-idUSBRE93305020130404?feedType=RSS</a>Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-16341537207669780692013-03-26T18:43:00.001-07:002013-03-26T18:43:45.835-07:00Our Right to Choose........32oz Soda????!!!!!While watching an upcoming promo for a TV show hosted by a doctor, whose name shall remain unrevealed, I heard the darndest thing. "Should America take away our right to choose?" No, this question wasn't about reproductive choice. Instead it was referring to our our right to choose what size soda we would like to drink!!! I immediately thought about reproductive choice not being the focus of the show. Here's why this bothers me so much: an entire show dedicated to health issues and concerns has a segment about being able to make sound decisions about what pop to drink instead of having one that questions whether a woman's choice should be taken away by America (hence anti- choice legislation)! Can you say "priorities and issues need to be adjusted!" We live in a society that clearly detests the possibility of laws governing what size soda to drink but sees no problem with laws governing our bodies.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-73382856412921008802013-03-25T18:07:00.002-07:002013-03-25T18:07:44.875-07:00My Experience with Depression and AbortionWhen sharing my story about my experience when choosing to have an abortion. Opening up about my mental state is usually one of the hardest parts. I knew I was suffering from depression although I wasn't clinically diagnosed until a few years later. I knew that carrying a pregnancy to term wasn't the best thing for my family at that time. That is not to say that women who suffer from mental illness shouldn't have children. I am only speaking for myself. Suffering from mental illness wasn't the only or main reason for choosing abortion but it definitely contributed significantly in my decision making. I was so afraid of what I might have done to myself had I chosen to carry the pregnancy to term. In society discussing mental illness is just as taboo as abortion. I feel that I cannot share one experience without the other. In the beginning, I would never discuss my depression because I was still ashamed of it. Many women can relate to this shame. This only furthers my actions of being vocal about my experiences. If I can help one person acknowledge or share their similar experience, I have done my part.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-14187872493966529422013-03-13T08:42:00.002-07:002013-03-13T08:42:46.820-07:00Learning to Practice What I PreachI was a mother for several years before joining the reproductive justice movement. I was a young mother of three girls and my only wish was at the time was that my children wouldn't have children while they were young. I would always say to myself of close friends that if they were to get to pregnant while under the age of 18, there would be questions asked. I would make the decision for them and they would have an abortion. Without realizing it I was taking away their choice, their right to choose. How could I be an advocate for women's rights and reproductive justice in the outside world but my personal life, especially my children, followed a different set of rules? This was a huge reality check for me. Yes I still have to be a parent but I cannot violate my daughters rights as women and individuals. This realization stretched beyond reproductive choice.<i> </i>I now find myself letting them choose what to where, how to style their hair, how to be individuals. Of course their is some governance being I am the adult who has "been there, done that." As a woman and mother who fights for the right to full autonomy over one's body, it's about time I started practicing it on the home-front.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-24294468894865662512013-03-06T18:32:00.000-08:002013-03-06T18:32:35.013-08:00Disgust and Disappointment Regarding ArkansasHow is it that we're in the year 2013 and abortion bans such as the one just passed in Arkansas even have a the possibility of passing? Oh yeah, that's right! We do live in a society that deems it acceptable to control women and girls by any means necessary! The same society that elects these anal politicians who can't figure out the importance of reproductive justice because they can't see the injustice in the first place (mainly because they created it). This ban which is set to go into affect this summer, bans abortion in the state of Arkansas after 12 weeks. Some women are just finding out they're pregnant by the time they are 12 weeks. Not to mention those of us who have to save up for our procedure because we are under/ unemployed or only have state funded health insurance. I use the term "us" because I myself was in this very situation. Not only does this ban under Roe v. Wade, it denies women their given right to make their own decisions regarding their reproductive health. I'm furious!!! There aren't enough words to express my disgust right now. Simply appalled!!!!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-87900541417553289452013-02-26T15:22:00.001-08:002013-02-26T15:22:58.284-08:00Is Pro-Choice Enough?<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45098); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Reproductive justice means that women have the right to choose if and when they want to parent and that the resources to do so are available; socially, economically, environmentally</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45098); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">. Being pro- choice is not enough when there is no access to the needed resources when making those decisions. Choosing abortion or parenthood is more than making a choice. What do you do after you choose abortion but the nearest abortion provider is out of state because of anti- choice legislation denies women access in their home state? What are the parents to do when their are no jobs to help them support their families? What about the parents who live in food deserts with no access to fresh fruits and vegetables? Or what about the women who are forced to carry a pregnancy to term because she can't afford her abortion due to her -underpaying job. Yes I am pro-choice and very vocal about it. I have shared my abortion story from Chicago to D.C. and live television! However, I do realize the importance of reproductive justice and its movement. It doesn't imply that women are victims. Instead it acknowledges and addresses the injustices that women face regarding their reproductive rights and health. Without ACCESS there is no CHOICE!</span>Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-31524870340493432722013-02-19T15:32:00.004-08:002013-02-19T15:32:57.412-08:00Here's To A New Trend!......I Hope<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/nyregion/cuomo-bucks-tide-with-bill-to-lift-abortion-limits.html?smid=pl-share">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/nyregion/cuomo-bucks-tide-with-bill-to-lift-abortion-limits.html?smid=pl-share</a><br />
<br />
While abortion advocates rejoice his efforts the anti- choice community is in an uproar. The fact that abortion bans exists at any level speaks to how far this country has not come. Roe v. Wade ended abortion as a crime yet the anti- choice politicians and community have stopped at nothing to take away ACCESS to abortion. State bans on abortion means that women have to travel out of state to seek a procedure that is legal and medically safe. Where is the woman's choice if she doesn't have access?! The choice is then between which state to travel to in order to have an abortion. Let's hope Gov. Cuomo's legislation is passed. Maybe it will start a trend of abortion bans being lifted vs the wave of abortion bans being introduced.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-2780226290811690712013-02-13T10:43:00.001-08:002013-02-13T10:43:27.641-08:00Economics of AbortionMany people don't realize the economics behind abortion. For women seeking an abortion there are several factors to consider; money, time, and family. First trimester abortions are less expensive than 2nd trimester abortions. That does NOT mean that it affordable. It simply is costs less than a 2nd trimester procedure. When I made the decision to have an abortion I was still in my first trimester. However, I could not afford the procedure so by the time I came up with the full amount I was in my second trimester. This also required that I miss two days from work since the procedure required that I return to the clinic for two consecutive days. I was only employed part-time which meant that I would be short on my rent money. Providing for the children I already had was going to be even harder as I had to miss work. My story is not an extreme case. This is the plight for most women who choose abortion. Most women who seek an abortion are unemployed or underpaid and are mothers already. These are real issues that real women face when choosing abortion!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-82008809315222927662013-02-07T15:53:00.000-08:002013-02-07T15:53:02.997-08:00Silencedthat scratchy feeling in your throat<br />
knowing that the worst is soon to come<br />
the fever, the runny nose, the aches and pains<br />
And then nothing<br />
You open your mouth to speak<br />
yet nothing comes out<br />
alas, your are silenced by something beyond your control<br />
the flu has taken over<br />
unfortunately women aren't silenced by the flu<br />
we have anti- choice elected officials<br />
who constantly attack us to thank for that<br />
rather it's newly introduced anti- choice legislation,<br />
another comprehensive sex- ed bill shot down<br />
a new definition for rape<br />
or attacks against abortion providers and clinics....<br />
this is why i drink orange juice and feminist punch daily<br />
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-48782875657969235732013-01-06T09:18:00.001-08:002013-01-06T09:18:17.929-08:00Indiana's War Against WomenIn the state of Indiana there is a Chinese immigrant being prosecuted for murder because she tried to end her own life while she was pregnant. Although the woman gave birth and her daughter lived for three days, she is still being charged with murder. There is no link between the suicide attempt and the newborn's death. This another case of the rights of the woman vs. the rights of a fetus. I believe the focus should be on the woman's mental state or help should be given to her because of the suicide attempt. When a person's life seems so bad to them that they resort to suicide, they need supportive services and not jail time (besides, no crime occured in this case). Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-66168536911032001352012-11-06T18:32:00.001-08:002012-11-06T18:32:05.776-08:00Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? I hope you all took the time out today to exercise and utilize your right to vote. Women and people of color weren't allowed to vote once upon a time so voting is not a privilege. It is a duty, your duty. You must support your candidate!!! Yes, government, we just might still love you tomorrow. As long as every person still waiting in line to vote has the opportunity to do so. And as long as their votes are accurately counted!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-71257928064243534042012-10-31T13:00:00.000-07:002012-10-31T13:00:05.119-07:00Was it Rape, Incest, or Life Threatening ?We all knew that election time means a few things and the war on women is one of them. Abortion always seems to get media attention now and hardly ever after that (unless it's some new anti- choice legislation being introduce). Now every anti- choice politician seems to be coming out of the wood-works to state how they don't believe a woman should have an abortion under any circumstance. Rape is being redefined as I type and as quick as they let all this malarkey out of their mouths, an apology is soon to follow. Or in some cases a "clarification."<br />
These "circumstances" leaves the door open for people to argue that one woman's decision to terminate a pregnant is justifiable and all others aren't. The only justifiable reason for choosing abortion is BECAUSE A WOMAN CHOOSES TO! Having choice means women get to choose if and/or when she decides to become a parent under any circumstance. Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-73077423765057012842012-10-19T11:26:00.004-07:002012-10-19T11:26:36.076-07:00ABORTION, ABORTION, ABORTION!!!I find no shame in telling people that I've had an abortion. There is no shame in making choices and decisions regarding my OWN body. No one knows what a woman's current mental, physical, or emotional state is when choosing to terminate a pregnancy or carry it to term. Either way, a woman should be supported in her decision making. Too often does society look to shame and control women without tackling the issues surrounding abortion. What are some of the factors that aid a woman in determining to terminate a pregnancy? What social disparities contributed to her decision? What can we do to make sure women receive support and access to resources that will help her in all of her decision making? Women are forced to carry unwanted and unintended pregnancies to term because of lack of resources and support.Abortion isn't as black and white as society often seems to make it. What abortion is and always has been is a choice that women have to make. Carrying a pregnancy to term is the same thing: a woman's choice. And that is where the real shame lies.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181192671313824096.post-15705925072475879662012-09-05T10:33:00.001-07:002012-09-05T10:33:19.617-07:00It's Election TimeOnce again the time is upon us to get out and vote! Just in case you have recently moved or have never registered to vote, please go and register. If you have moved you should receive something in the mail asking you to fill it out with your updated information. If you need to register for the first time you can go to the County Clerk's Office, board of election commissioner's Office, City and Village Offices, Township Offices, precinct committeemen, schools, public libraries, military recruitment offices. If you wish to have your voices heard now is the time. You cannot complain about the system without voting to try and change it. Registration is open year round except:during the 27-day period just prior to an election and during the 2-day period after each election (1 day after in Chicago). This gives you the entire month of September to register. Please do so now! As before, every vote counts and whichever candidate you support needs your vote now more than ever. Utilize your voice, get out and vote!!!!!!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290699334202087073noreply@blogger.com1