Given the Upper Hand

I had a debate with a male about abortion. I tried to explain to him the obstacles women face while making decisions about pregnacy. I told him to turn on C-SPAN and see what's going on with these health bills. His argument, however, wasn't about acknowleding a woman's situation, the affordability of abortion, or the use of medicaid or private health insurance. He wanted to know about the men's rights as fathers. There are fathers out there that want children, but if a woman decides that she does not want to come to term with the pregnacy, the man is left SOL. He wants to know why more money isn't going into medical research that will enable men to give birth to children. He argues that men and women are suppose to be equal, but are not equal in this issue. All I could say is, "I guess this is where women have the upper hand".

This Is a Compromise???!!!

So of course I think the Stupak Amendment is stupid but here's another one. Sen. Nelson has agreed to a healthcare reform that still denies women the right to abortion even through private insurance but he "compromised" and said let the states decide on that. So either way the government gets to decide if women can have an abortion. Yes, that's their compromise! And yes, it's just as stupid and ridiculous as Stupak's. They are dreaming of a day when ALL abortion is illegal and we're fighting continuously to NEVER see that day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

decisions, decisions

So I'm reading this book, and I came across a note the author wrote. It read... "Dear Self, If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change what I did, I would change the way I felt about what I did". I think about people, friends, family, myself, and I think about all the things we say we regret. I think about how we say we feel about certain decisions that we've made. Living in the past can't change anything. Respect all of your past decisions whether good or bad and take it as a lesson learned.

Thankful

I am thankful for all the mistakes I've made, all the challenges I've overcame and all the people in my life.

I have come so far and I have to say that I make myself proud. It really feels good to wake up in the morning and truly believe in yourself. Despite all that I've been through in my life I am so thankful for it all. Sometimes your life experiences can make you feel like you don't have much to be thankful for, and I have to say that my life has changed full circle so I don't have days anymore that I feel ungrateful.

Life gets crazy sometimes and we forget to be thankful. So today, as I sit her at my desk I feel really humbled to have a job and on top of that it's a job that I really enjoy.

It feels good to be thankful! I am thankful that I am taking a stand to make a change. I'm so thankful that I can physically feel it in the pit of my stomach. I know that I've walked with my higher power throughout my journey and I am so thankful for his grace in mercy. So often do we go about our daily routines and without showing any gratitude for anything or to anyone.

To all that this reaches I want to personally thank you for being you and contributing to something great. Peace and blessings to all!!!!!!


Much Love

Dashaya

Children

I am sitting here wondering about the future of this country. The children are the future. So many kids are not being raised. They are literally doing it themselves. Even though they may not be our own, we can at least offer them some knowledge. Who knows? One encouraging thought from a stranger could go a long way. We all need something to believe in. Maybe it's time we start believing in them. And maybe they'll start beleiving more in themselves.

Women Can’t Afford Inequality

“Women Can’t Afford Inequality” was, hand-down, the best sign I saw at anti-Stupak-Pitts Amendment rallies. I can’t tell you how much that resonated in me. As the recession continues, abortion funds are seeing a swell of people calling in for funds- not just from the women themselves, but also from families and friends trying to gather information for their loved ones and from clinics asking for just a little more…

At CAF, we’ve been getting more calls about fetal anomalies and women's health risks. More women are being denied by their private insurance companies for medically necessary abortions. Take, for example, a woman who called whose insurance did not want to cover her surgical abortion, necessary to complete her natural abortion (miscarriage) until she had an actual infection. She and her husband were told by the hospital they’d need $9,000 for the procedure, if they didn’t want to wait to endanger her life. Another woman had a large tumor that needed to be removed and decided that an abortion made sense both medically and at this time in her life, but her student insurance wouldn’t cover it. Between her and her parents, she still needed more. A single mother’s fetus was diagnosed with multiple anomalies and had to drive 6 hours each way for the multi-day procedure.

Can you imagine these women hearing “No.” from the insurance companies they thought they could rely on? The companies they were paying for out of their own pockets? Even if they are lucky enough to come up with most of the money… And lucky enough be helped by the clinics that discount the procedure or by getting through to the funds that still have money… More often then not, they still have to come up with gas money, transportation if they don’t own a car, money for childcare, take off precious days from work (if they’re lucky enough to be working in this economy), find/afford housing near their clinics if they can’t go home the day or two (or sometimes 3) that they need to be at the clinic… All while racing against the clock, as their pregnancies progress and the procedures become longer, more involved, and more expensive.

We need to stop the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, repeal the Hyde Amendment, and nip any similar amendments in the bud. Because women can’t afford inequality.

TU Shay

Maybe it could be a good idea for her to carry the pregnancy to terms. May be it would give her the reason she needs to finallly get out of the realationship assuming that something terrible doesnt happen to her before she gets out but like you said it is ultimately her choice and whatever decision she makes hopefully it will pan out to be a good one.

A childish thing like that

A friend of mine who just separated from her abusive husband and is now a single mother of two found out she is pregnant. When she told me that she was pregnant I was really concerned because she is in an abusive relationship. As we continued to talk she didn't sound like she really wanted to parent another child, because of her situation. However, you could tell that she has been talking to someone that was not pro choice. Due to the nature of her marriage and her emotional I didn't want to inflict my opinion on her so I was very cautious in my choice of words.

I just listened and sympathized and listened as she went back and forth about whether she wanted to have an abortion or carry the child. As she said something and what she said made me cringe and it took everything in my entire body to curb my tongue. She said and I quote, " I can' have an abortion, Why would I do childish thing like that"? I frankly don't remember to much about the conversation beyond that point, but what I wanted to ask her so bad is do you think it would be "adultish"( I don't think thats a word lol) to parent a child in an abusive dysfunctional household? Well the world may never know. I didn't ask her because I knew that would have turned into an argument. Another reason I didn't ask her is because ultimately it's her choice!

That was few weeks ago and I haven't heard from her since. She has been on my mind so I 've just been praying that she makes the best choice for her.


Peace and blessings!

Why are we being attacked

So i got this new job signing people up for the plannedparenthood actionfund and over the past few weeks i have been working there I have been learning so much about the health care reform and what the government thinks about women and our bodies obviously not much.Their cutting our reproductive health in every way they can think of I mean no mammograms till 50 no pap smears till 21 and the stupak ammendment. Come on people health is a civil liberty why are mines being attacked because i am a low income woman. This is an atrocious sneaky underhanded attempt to illegalize abortion and cut off a necessity to my health. When will the madness end people.

November's "The A Word" is now up on Youtube!

Crystal & Shay discuss the Stupak Amendment.

I cant wait to go on the A word tommorow!! Were going to talk about the Stupak Amendment. For those of you who dont know what that is, all I can say for now is that its just another way to try to deny women their abortion rights. Without giving away the show, its like the Hyde amendment for middle class women. Make sure you tune in tommorow at 8pm!!!

This Wednesday!

The last episode of "The A Word" for the year will be this Wednesday, the 18th! On CAN-TV at 8:30- watch us live and call in!

D.C. was an experience

Hey!!!!!!

So i just came from the Sistersong membership meeting in the Capitol. When I got there I thought it was going to be like the normal annual membership meeting. To my surprise there we were needed to go to Capitol Hill to try to stop legislators from voting in favor of the Stupid aka the Stupak amendment. We were trying to get 400 women of color on Capitol Hill on Saturday without an invitation. At one point it was decided we were going with or without an invitation. Thanks to our allies in the White House we were able to go in small groups and represent our states. When we got there we went the visit the offices of Debbie Halvorson, Melissa Bean, Mike Kirk, Mike Quigley and Daniel Lipinski to let them know how women of color in their district felt about the Stupid amendment. Unfortunately, didn't meet with any of the legislators we did get to talk to some staffers. Got to put Lipinski on blast, because the offices weren't supposed to close until 6pm; but we his staff closed the office up and refused to talk to our sisters for YWEP!!!!

Although our efforts didn't stop the Stupid amendment from passing on the House we are still determined. On Monday we continued to speak with legislators and on Monday I was the spokesperson for our group. We were able to speak with the staff of Congressman Rush which went well. We have to continue our fight, because the Stupid amendment is just a codification of the Hyde amendment. We understand that we still have fight for public funding to cover abortion, but this amendment will take us further in regression.



We all have to stand up now and fight we can't let them control more than they are already controlling. We thought we were well on our way, but Stupak (a Democrat) let us know not without a fight. We are trying to change the status quo...........


A WOMAN'S WORK IS NEVER DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace :-)

Abortion isn't genocide.

I was going to post this as a reply to a comment someone left, but I figured I'd blog.

Genocide is the systematic destruction of a group of people. No one group- white people, the government, etc.- is MAKING women get abortions. Women are choosing to get abortions- in the worst of situations and in the best of situations. And that's their choice.

I am against forced abortions, adoptions, childbirth/parenting and sterilizations. It doesn't matter the reasoning behind what women choose, it matters that it is their choice, the best decision they could make with the tools and options they have in front of them right then (regardless of what others try to say or tell them).

Abortion is one of the most distinctly unique situations- legally, politically, emotionally, physically- a person can be in. Comparing it to other situations comes up short and, often, is just insulting or ridiculous to the people who find themselves in the situation that abortion is being compared to.

our little girls

I have this friend, whenever we get on the phone, we end up talking for hours. The other day during one of our infamous conversations, he said he understood why the rapper Nas stated in one of his songs "we need to be more conscious of the way we raise our daughters". I always thought he meant that we need to teach our daughters about their self worth. My friend gave me another idea of what he could have been talking about, teaching our daughters about consequences. We have to teach our little girls that the mistakes they make today could affect them for the rest of their lives. The things they do, the friends they keep...it all could affect them later. We have to start teaching our daughters about men too. That they should try and start going for good guys, the guys who do their homework, study and have high GPA's and that have goals in life. To not just go for the class clowns or the so called bad boys or thugs. I dated a good boy in high school during my sophomore year. We ended up breaking up because I felt like he had no time for me with his studying and all. Then I started dating a so called bad boy. He had all the time in the world for me because he was not really serious about school (even though he still made good grades).He eventually dropped out of school all together and we spent almost every waking moment together, which in turn I became pregnant and we got married and now I have the first half of my heart, my amazing, talented beautiful Mariah, Whom I wouldn't trade for the earth moon and stars, But imagine if I had stayed with the first guy. He just got his master's degree, I would have at least gotten my B. A. by now and we would just now be having Mariah. We'd have way more money and be able to give her more things. Even though children need love more than anything, we all want to give our children the best. So, this is of course a lesson learned and I fully intend on making sure my daughter, nieces (Taylor and Heaven) and all the little girls in my life( Anna, Chandler, Chase, Courtney, Bobbette, Na'ree Ti-Ti is talking about you!)understand and learn...by any means necessary!!!

Untitled

We just finished up another meeting and I am very excited about the near future. We have a lot planned and I am looking forward to getting things accomplished. Of course there's our show and our blog. We have come up with several other exciting ideas to keep spreading the word to the world and now more than ever we need to. Sorry I have to keep it short but please stay tuned to us because 2010 is going to be great! Please continue to support us. Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!

untitled

Yesterday while doing our show I brought up my frustrations with the whole idea of abortion being either right or wrong /good or bad. Abortion is only one thing.... a woman's choice. That is just another way to keep us silenced, marginalized and against each. The bigger picture is not being seen and therefore not addressed. We cannot see past the "right or wrong" to the point where we don't care about all the other changes that the government can/ will make without us saying anything. And these laws are governing our bodies. Tomorrow will soon be today,the future is becoming the present. Soon we won't be able to control our own bodies unless we fight right now, today. Step back and see the bigger picture or fall victim.

Crazy

So as I get more informed about reproductive justice and abortion and access to it, I have came to the conclusion that the anti-choicers are crazy by the dozen. I mean they are so violent and are over exaggerators I mean I am on the bus this morning and I see a women's center ad and it says we will help you make the choice you and your baby can live with and it showed a black woman and supposedly her baby. First of all I would like to know how you can help any woman make the right choice for their life and their body. You can't, that decision is fully that womans now you can support them in it but not help them with it. That my friend is called manipulation and the point of choice is being able to make a decision unmanipulated.So this ad saddens me. Not only that a couple of days ago I read an article that said the anti-choicers are going to be holding an auction for the murderer of Dr. Tiller. The things these people are auctioning are crazy. Its all like stuff from past people who have been violent against abortion doctors and clinics. How crazy is that. Needless to say my conclusion is correct. Stop the madness.

So much to do

Right now im working on a couple of projects for the rj team. I am so busy with that I dont really have any deep thoughts except about getting things accomplished.So I promise next blog I will have something to talk about

Say What?!

I read an article recently that reported that the number of pro choice supporters have dropped. Of course the article gave credit to the president for this alleged drop. They later went on to say that the right wing anti- choice supporters are standing more firm and stonger than ever... News flash.... So are we!! No misleading article is going to scare us off... The only thing that I fear is living in a world where a woman's choice is no longer hers.

On another note

While standing there peacefully counter protesting last weekend, one of the "others" (little old lady - bless her heart) came over and asked if she could give us some information. There she proceeded to show us a magazine with black women on the cover and started talking about black genocide. I'm not going to lie....I completely lost it! I couldn't believe she had the audacity to come over and say that to a group of black women.

genocide: the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group. (www.dictionary.com)

The civil unrest in Rwanda is genocide.
The Tuskegee experiment was genocide.
Abortion is not genocide.

Abortion is a choice. A personal one at that!

Gaylon

For Dramatic Effect!

Well the mayor of Chicago is going to sign the buffer zone. The buffer zone keeps anti-choicers far away from women entering clinics to have abortions. Now I'm all for free speech but when you chase cars, step inside the parking lot....lean in the gate openings...trying to shove rosaries at women...line candles along the gate of the clinic that is more than free speech. So thank you to the mayor and the alderman....especially Vi Daley for sponsoring it! There is a such thing as seperation of church and state. What you believe based on your religion or spiritual values should not impact my reproductive choice.

Women should be able to make their own decisions regarding this without all the fanfare that the "others" display. My involvement in a counter protest a week ago at FPA on Elston opened my eyes even more to the lunacy of the anti-choice movement. I completely understand why you can't have a logical argument with them. That is why they resort to the propaganda and bloody pictures. They believe in shock value because they have nothing else to stand on. Really! I asked one of the men holding the signs why was he holding that when it wasn't a picture of an abortion (the picture was of a woman having some sort of operation). I asked him how he thought that was accurate to insinuate that the picture was an abortion. You know what he said? The picture is about the sanctity of life. Oh really? You gotta be kidding me man! So I repeated the question over and over until he put the sign down and then eventually put it in his car. Yet this is the picture he wants women to see going into the clinic. A nutcase!

Yes, I go to church and I'm a christian. I believe in God and I even have the rosary hanging in my car. However, I don't believe in force feeding others my beliefs. This spiritual journey I'm on in my own. Only God can judge me. In fact, that is how I want to be judged. Yet, the "others" are judging people and trying to "save" people from themselves. Wouldn't it be better if they worry about themselves and not everyone else? Why all the drama? Keep it real all the way. If you are going to misrepresent then you better be prepared to explain yourself. Stop holding up the phony signs and shoving rosaries at people. This doesn't help your case one bit!

Protest in Chicago!!!!!

Last weekend we did a counter protest at FPA on Elston. One of the anti -choicers had the nerve to ask us did we know that abortion was "black genocide". Hell to the naw....no she didn't go there!

Needless to say it felt amazing when Gaylon gave her a piece of her mind and to get back across the street on their side. Those people are crazy and when you see them up close and personal they all look "freaky".

They tried their hardest to make statement , but choice prevailed we were not in Nebraska we were in the Chi so we had no problem with giving them a piece of our minds.

I will shed blood and tears for a womans right to choose!!!!! To the hell with the antichoicers they full of you know what anyway!!!!!!

Nebraska now Chicago

So a few weeks ago I went to Nebraska to counter protest at Dr. Cartharts clinic against the anti choicers. It was a very empowering experience and also disturbing at the same time. Empowering because there were women from all different places and of different races raising their voices as one for a very profound and distinctive cause that's so important to me and other women who haven't found their voice yet.Disturbing because these people who were suppose to be so high strung on perserving "life" were so violent I mean there were arsonist and racist people on that side and I noticed that the anti choicers were predominately white. I didn't see one person of color out there. But despite that the protest ended up very peaceful. So tomorrow I'm headed to counter protest at another clinic in my hometown the windy city. I can only hope it ends the same and one day will come where these actions wont have to be taken anymore because people will realize that this decision is ultimately the womans and I quote the famous phrase by bobby brown its my perrogative.

October is Abortion Access Action Month!

What can you do to spread awareness? One way is to let people know about abortion funding and why it's so crucial!

Why not advertise us as a top friend on your myspace page?

Or check out all our pages on facebook! We've got a page to become a fan of, a group to discuss matters with and a cause page to help us easily raise money- all you need to do is download their search bar and every qualifying search gives us 1 cent. Plus, you can advertise that you joined/became a fan of any of the pages as your status for the day and get more people interested!

Like our blog? Leave a comment and get the conversation going! Recommend entries for friends to read!

Have you checked out our youtube page? Become a friend or a leave a comment on our videos!


Another great way is to donate! On the sidebar of the blog, there is a link to our paypal or our address to send a check.

When a Woman's Choice is a Woman's Choice

So I just found out I'm a grandmother!

I'm excited and overwhelmed at the same time. This 5 month old bundle of joy is so precious that I'm already in love. I wouldn't give him back for anything in the world and I don't even know him well enough yet! My son didn't want to be a parent. Yet, despite the safer sex talks a pregnancy happened. I told my son that those things happen when you leave your reproductive health in the hands of others. However, I still believe that the woman has the right to choose to whether she wants to carry a pregnancy to term or not. The young lady chose not to terminate her pregnancy and the result was a beautiful grandbaby for me.

I'm sure some on the other side wonder how I can love my grandchild and still be pro-choice (you know how illogical and irrational their thoughts are). The answer is simple. Women should be able to determine, no matter the circumstance, whether they want to become a mother. I know the argument about the father's involvement in the decision making (heck look at my son) but it is more often than not a woman's responsibility to raise and support the child (even in some cases where the father is in the household). So until a man can carry a child and accept all that comes with it, I don't believe their rights trumps a woman's.

My son wasn't ready and didn't want the baby, the mother did. I accept and respect that.

And I will continue to be pro-choice until the end!

"Saving" Babies.

“We confirmed that a second baby was saved from abortion on Saturday at Carhart’s mill. Woman went in then left without abortion. -Operation Rescue”

The thing is, abortion clinics have options counseling. They will help you decide if abortion or birthing- be it to parent or as part of an adoption plan- is best for you. My friends who are counselors have told women to come back another day as they were not emotionally ready to have the procedure right then. They have also helped women decide against an abortion after reviewing their options and emotional needs. Most women come into abortion clinics with their mind made up and the counseling only helps in that maybe they have no one else to talk to. Others come on in the middle of life upheaval that leaves them a whirlwind of emotions they need to sort out. I don’t see ob/gyns and prenatal care clinics employing social workers, psychologists and/or therapists to ensure that the women have access to all their options and are thinking in a clear mental state.

So maybe the woman left because of the anti-choice folks’ bullying. That would be a shame that they emotionally unloaded on her so much that she felt pressured to change the rest of her life, despite probably deciding on an abortion after weighing her options. Or maybe- her options counselor helped her conclude that she really did want to give birth and helped her plan her best options. I hope it’s the latter and that she has a tentative plan with support . But if it is the former, I wish her the best of luck and hope it does end up being the best decision.

Dr. Carhart and Women

Well I am still trying to pull myself together so I will make this short and sweet. Will post something a bit more thought provoking later this week. It was a long drive!

A van full of CAF people drove down.....was a 7 hour drive which took us 8 - 10 hours. 10 people in the van....gas and bathroom breaks! I'm tired!

Will post a pix later!

My Take on What Happened at Dr. Carhart's Clinic

I have a twitter account, and I was micro-blogging the whole day while us CAF folks were helping to defend Dr. Carhart's clinic from an ad-hoc protest called by Operation Rescue and local anti-choice groups in Nebraska. I thought I'd post what I saw and heard, from the beginning.

6:13 AM
At the clinic... Lines of pro choice folks surrounding clinic, some stayed all night(?) Most have been here for 2 hours already.

6:43 AM
The antis said they'd be here 30 minutes ago... We already have the sidewalks surrounding...

6:53 AM
Saying "pro-abort" does nothing more than make you sound like a moron, folks.

7:08 AM
Cops kicked us away from the front if the clinic, saying it's the anti-choice folk's spot... We've been here over 2 hours.

7:21 AM
They're here! Yelling! Praying underneath gas station signs!

8:01 AM
Two bomb sniffing dogs onsite. Plus riot cop van in waiting.

8:09 AM
Patients starting to come in. Chants of "Welcome, welcome, this clinic stays open," to drown out anti-choice folks on bullhorns.
(Actually, I was wrong. There weren't any bullhorns, one guy had an amazingly loud voice.)

8:24 AM
Again, with the "fetuses are not babies" sign. Grrrr. Bad sign. Fetuses ARE babies in some peoples' eyes, even prochoice ones.

8:26 AM
Also, stop trying to sell your newspapers. *mutters under her breath so her commie and socialist friends don't hear her*

8:51 AM
Most of the anti-choice folks are older, all white and they seem to be all Catholics. I said the rosary with them. It's been awhile.

9:05 AM
Why do anti-choice folks think they have a monopoly on religion? I'm an atheist, but the only one at work! Everyone else attends church.

9:41 AM
As soon as my group walks up, the guy starts shouting about how, "slavery was legal!" Way to go, white dude.

10:02 AM
Oper. Rescue is claiming there's about 60 for both sides. Liars. There's about that anti-choice, yes, but double that pro-choice.
(Later, it was more like triple that, at least, for our side, with more like 70/80 for the anti-choice folks' side.)

10:15 AM
Two people who have been convicted of committing felonies against clinics/staff (one arson, one injury) are here, protesting Dr. Carhart.

11:34 AM
RT @rhrealitycheck: http://twitpic.com/fpo4t - This is jennifer mccoy. She burned down a clinic in virginia. #carhart

12:07 PM
McCoy's parading a black child that's clearly not hers (her white kids aren't interacting w/her) AND her children are playing in the street.

12:55 PM
People kept on screaming at women coming into/out of clinics, "Mama! Mama! Mama!" Obnoxious.

12:56 PM
Somebody from Army of God was here, too. Which is why there was a swat team.

1:43 PM
1 in 3 women will have an abortion by the age of 45. Over 60% of those women who have an abortion already have children.

1:47 PM
Goodbye parting: a little girl trying to wave a Bible at us, which was too heavy for her to hold. I think that sums up the day.

Other clinic defenders stayed longer than we did, to make sure the last patients and the staff got safely to their cars, but we had a 7/8 hour drive home, so we left (I got home at 1 in the morning on Sunday, after leaving Chicago around 8 on Friday!). I'm really happy that we went and I got to meet Dr. Carhart. He was a very nice man and very, very appreciative of us being there (and so were at least two of the patients/support that we saw).

NEBRASKA BOUND

Hello all!! I am headed to Nebraska today to help keep choice possible! We all need to continue to do our part in this reproductive justice movement. If that means traveling out of state or blogging from home, PLEASE continue doing it! If not now ya'll..... WHEN?! Success starts with trying... Peace!!!!

Headed to Nebraska

A few of us in the CAF community are headed out to Nebraska to help defend Dr. Carhart's clinic from an "outreach" event hosted by Operation Rescue. I don't know why their "outreach" involves people from all over the US, but hey. Here's some interesting info on both Dr. Carhart and Operation Rescue.

"Dr. Carhart, Under Threat from "Domestic Terrorist Network," Abandoned by Federal Marshals," by Jodi Jacobson at RH Reality Check

Rachel Maddow exposes Operation Rescue's connection to Scott Roeder, the man who assassinated Dr. Tiller.

"The A Word" Hosts Discuss Parental Notification

Chicago Abortion Fund presents July 2009's "The A Word". Nicole and Shay host this month's show and they discuss Illinois' parental notification/consent laws. Check out part 2 and 3 on our youtube channel!

Only One Word Can Express This

That word is shocked. So I'm in the car with my mom and sis and we accidentally end up in the outskirts of blue island and I see a shockingly big billboard that says " Abortion, the #1 killer in Illinois". I'm so confused I mean I walk through the hood and I see fpa signs that say Leading abortion provider. As if to say if your black we want you to keep getting abortions but if your white abortion is a crime.I'm so shocked at these marketing strategies, but at the same time it's getting old.I mean sometimes I wish I could just go up to every sign like that and write HATER and big red bold letters cause that's all it is, hating on a woman's choice and white women get just as many abortions as black women or other races. Also everyone knows that abortion is not the #1 killer in Illinois, ignorant people are just like the people who came up with that billboard.

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION?!

So it appears that the parental notification law has been cleared to be enforced in Illinois. This is yet another way to control women. The decision to have an abortion is a difficult one to make. But it is still that woman's decision. The only notification of that decision should be to the clinic, not the parents! I'm a mother myself. Why don't we as parents do our part and build relationships with our daughters that if THEY decide to have an abortion, maybe THEY will decide to tell us . And NOT be forced to!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two more bad arguments from both sides.

So, we got more hate mail on our youtube account! I looked up some of the person's videos and wanted to respond to two more arguments he and others I’ve heard say.

First, he responded to “Don’t like abortion? Don’t have one.” Which is a horrible argument in the context that most people use it. It’s easy to counter- insert “Don’t like rape? Don’t commit it,” or a similar line. But I do think the feeling behind it is valid and this is why: many people who consider themselves “pro-life” have abortions and/or have been in situations where they’ve supported women who have had abortions. Generally it’s the thought process of “The Only Moral Abortion Is My Abortion” (taken from the title of this excellent article). I believe most people are pro-choice but don’t like the idea of abortion in one aspect or another and are thus swayed by the term and promise of “pro-life”- which is OK. That’s a starting point. We can learn to break down people’s judgments, misinformation and subtle misogynistic attitudes. This comment is a starting ground to inform people, but poorly worded and not thought out too well.

Next, there was the old argument, “abortion is a decision that no woman makes lightly,” similar to that ridiculous “abortion should be safe, legal and rare,” statement. Yes, abortion should be safe- there should be laws regulating it and the people who go into the business, just as with any other medical procedure. But a woman’s decision is hers alone. I have known women who have decided to terminate her pregnancy the second she discovered she was pregnant or that something was wrong with the pregnancy, without a second thought or regret. I’ve known women who have struggled with what their decision should be and then others who have decided to continue with a pregnancy despite the risks to her own health or being in a bad situation. Each woman’s decision is hers and both those statements belittle her self agency and individual situations. Judging her or telling her what to do- in any situation- is not helpful!

So, for me, it basically comes down to this: be nice to women. Everyone, really. Stop judging them, making excuses for them or trying to control their lives.

June's episode of "The A Word" is now up!

Gaylon and Crystal host June's episode of "The A Word". They discuss Dr. Tiller's life and assassination, and what steps we need to further the reproductive rights movement.



www.youtube.com/chicagoabortionfund

R.I.P.

Let me begin by sending my deepest condolences to the family of Dr. George Tiller. His brutal murder is yet another act of senseless violence and a hate crime. The anti - abortion people believe they can say whatever they please and think that it is justified as freedom of speech. Their hateful words and behavior has an effect on everyone, even those crazy enough to load a gun, walk into a church and take the life of someone else's brother, father, friend. It is no secret that I am pro-choice and proud of it! I have blogged, been on live TV and lobbied in Springfield, IL about it before. This is the very reason why I volunteer for the Chicago Abortion fund. Sure, abortion is still legal but if all of the doctors who willingly put there lives on the line to help keep a woman's choice possible are murdered, Roe v. Wade will certainly become irrelevant.

Does abortion prevent child abuse?

“Does abortion prevent child abuse? In 1973, when abortion was first legalized, the United States child abuse cases were estimated at 167,000 annually. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 903,000 children were victims of abuse during 2001, a number more than 5 times greater.”

-from Life Report Podcast


Correlation is NOT causation. The population of the US increased from 211,909,000 in 1973 to 285,669,915. While those numbers are not enough to explain the difference, perhaps a shift in social attitudes can. Even just a generation or two ago, it was common to use more negative force and excessive discipline on children (for example, how common was spanking while you were growing up vs. now?). Mandated reporters (people who, due to their close work with children, are legally obligated to report suspected abuse) were not established until 1974 when the Child Abuse and Treatment Act passed. This act also begun federal funding to all 50 states to prevent, investigate and assess child abuse cases.

Further, it would be interesting to see how these statistics define “child abuse.” Unfortunately, some children deemed victims of child abuse are ultimately victims of poverty. Stories come to my mind of families torn apart due to unsafe living conditions that were a direct result of landlord neglect and the ghetto-ization of low-income people or parents who were working but poor and couldn’t afford all their bills and to put food on their table.

Lastly, any person who would claim “abortion prevents child abuse” is not clearly thinking through their pro-choice logic. Yes, in some select cases a continued pregnancy would have resulted in the child being abused, but ultimately this claim is anti-woman, assuming there are some women who just shouldn’t be parents- almost mandating abortion in certain cases. Hard to prove tangents just take away from our message. If we are to ever have a truly united force for reproductive justice, we must squarely keep the focus for abortion on the woman and what she wants for herself, her family (if applicable) and her future.

May's Call-In Show Posted on You Tube!

I didn't post that the show was uploaded to youtube last week due to Dr. Tiller's assassination. But here it is, and I hope you watch all three parts!

Leading Abortion Provider?

Well I thought I would throw my two cents in since I saw Brittany received a comment to her post about FPA's recent billboards around town. Wait....backup...not around town just in poor communities of color. I think that is what the disgusting thing is about it. I'm not sure what they are trying to convey with this type of advertising. Someone told me that they saw a billboard in a Latino community where it didn't have "Leading Abortion Provider" but instead said: "Free Pregnancy Testing". I have yet to see any of these billboards in affluent predominately white neighborhoods or neighborhoods that are undergoing gentrification.

So my question goes back to why poor communities of color? I mean if it was advertised everywhere I might think differently....and I'm for a woman's choice. But come on! What's up with that? Is it some racial stuff? Inquiring minds want to know so we are sending a letter to FPA for some answers!

Peace!

Gaylon

??????

There are a lot of public ads throughout the low income neighborhoods stating how one clinic is "leading abortion provider". The first time I read I had to do a double- take. Abortion is a serious decision and not something to be taken lightly. It was a very difficult choice for me as I know it is for many women. I'm just disgusted.

We will not give in!

Our friend and hero, Dr. George Tiller was killed Sunday morning in church. This senseless act is a true sign of cowardliness. Dr. Tiller provided women with choices - poor women that sought him out because they had no where else to turn. Although I'm angry and outraged, I'm saddened as well. These acts only confirm that we need to continue our work on behalf of women that seek to exercise their true choice.

Dr. Tiller had been previously shot, threatened, had his clinic bombed and had a body guard, yet this courageous man continue to do what he knew he needed to do. My heartfelt sympathies go to the family and staff that knew Dr. Tiller best and stood beside him in the midst of the trying and dangerous times.

The killer may have thought he won this battle - but it rages on! We will not go down! We will continue to provide women with choice - just the way Dr. Tiller wanted it!

Gaylon

Dr. Tiller shot and murdered in church.

Dr. George Tiller, one of the few doctors in the USA who performed late abortions, was shot and killed while attending church this morning.

"The chilling fact of Dr. Tiller's death comes after years of being terrorized: he'd been shot before (in both arms); had his clinic bombed, flooded and vandalized; received decades of death threats; wild lawsuits; and was the unfortunate target of conservative media that hounded him. He'd also been stabbed--and went back to work the next day." -Anna Clark for RH Reality Check

Personally, I just want to say condolences to Mrs. Tiller, Dr. Tiller's family and friends with hope and love for the people affected by and organizing for reproductive justice and abortion rights.

We may be entering scary times. Much love to all you out there.

It's been Craziii!!!!!!

Hello:

I know you haven't heard from me in a while and I have to truely apologize. I've been working really hard trying to change lives, and that takes alot. Anyway, last Saturday myself, Arthia, her friend Brianna, her niece, Emelda, Crystal, Nicole,and Gaylon went to the Lawndale neighborhood to do community outreach! We really had an amazing time and it was our first community outreach ever an we rocked it. You should have seen these ladies addressing young and old women and men of color and educating them. I was a truely amazing and Brianna even participated and this was her first time hearing about MVMC and being around us. I want to give big ups to all the women who came out and took responsibility for performing a much needed task. I think the community respected our efforts and we were well recieved.

I really appreciate all the ladies in MVMC they walked from Roosevelt and Kedzie to Roosevelt and Independence and was willing walk further to get the message to as many women and men as possible. It's been crazii indeed, but it's that sleep good a night, empowering, eager to come to work, excitied, thought provoking, frustrating, willing to go to any lengths for a woman's choice crazii. I want to thank everyone who support MVMC and CAF and all the woman who are in our amazing leadership circle.

It's hard work but somebody's got to do it! We are going to have a ball May 22nd.

Peace and Blessings!

April's Call-In Show posted!

Chicago Abortion Fund's (CAF) monthly public access (CAN-TV) call-in show. For April, Crystal hosts and we are joined by Sara from Rape Victim Advocates (RVA).

OMG!!!

My life has done a complete 360 in these past years I have been involved in the leadership group. I mean I have gone from some one that needed someone to speak up for them to the person doing the speaking. I have done everything from speaking on panels,being on television, traveling to conferences and so much more. It's not just to be doing it either. It's because I believe in the cause I'm fighting for. And I just realized this yesterday when I was doing the commercial to ask more people to join us in the fight for RJ.I am so grateful for these opportunities given to me and I plan to take advantage of every single one.

Beyond Fear

I am terrified of putting together a community outreach training regarding reproductive justice. I would have to do a lot of things that I've never done or things I get nervous about doing..(public speaking..aaagghh). But the more I think about doing it and all the people I will be spreading the word to and the people they would tell and so on and so on, the fear subsides and I am glad to do it. I hope to inspire more people to take a stand on reproductive justice and advocate more.

Random Thoughts!

I had the pleasant opportunity to attend the conference with Brittany and Nicole in Amherst, MA at Hampshire College a few weeks ago. These women blew me away with their honesty and openness. From their attentiveness in the workshops to their writing thoughts on the wall to Brittany's speakout.....I am completely amazed by them. Then not even a week later Nicole sits on a panel to talk about choice....and she was paid to do it! This is truly exciting! Becoming reproductive justice activists when all you wanted from CAF was financial assistance is a pretty empowering thing! My life has been truly transformed by all the women in the leadership group. I am honored to know them!

Hampshire Civil Liberties conference

This conference is empowering like all.Yet this one has a different vibe from the last one I was at. Also this time I have Natalie with me which alot of my attention has been focused on her. But the most empowering and different thing about this conference is the Speak Out, thats where women who have had an abortion get up and talk about there experiences. Some people spoke and some didn't. I was one of the ones that didn't speak this time but Brittany said enough for us all she rocked it!! But something that was mentioned is that alot of times Black women don't speak out about abortion because they are ashamed. Well Brittany and I have prove those people wrong and it just donned on me.I have had an abortion and I am not ashamed. I did what I had to do and it was my choice point blank.While here today I listened to this poet recite a poem that really touched my heart and the one thing that really stuck out to me is how she said something like they call me a murderer and say that I'm uneducated and ignorant but they built these schools and rules that are here to keep me in poverty. That is such a true statement and I just want to say that poem made me think about myself and all the women that struggle with every day choices. Wow this has truley been an experience.
Peace,Love, and Choice

Thanks Brittany!!!

I just watched the same movie and I felt the same as Brittany, but it also made me think about why did they choose to have the character Ruth in the situation she was in. Why did she have to be on drugs and not take care of the kids she already had. Some of the women we serve are not on drugs and do take care of their kids and most women that choose to abort like Ruth already have kids. So it was some truth and some exaggeration as Brittany pointed out.

CITIZEN RUTH

I just watched a movie titled Citizen Ruth and it was quite interesting. It was about a drug addicted pregnant woman who was charged with the crime of endangering her fetus. She wanted to get an abortion. The movie stereotyped both anti-choice and pro-choice advocates. It was a bit exaggerated but it did paint a portrait of both sides that really makes me think about the work that I do and why it's very important. In the movie, Ruth states that it's her body and her choice to do whatever she wants to do with it and I couldn't agree more!!

CAF's March Call-in Show is now live!

Springfield

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Springfield, IL to lobby and rally at the state capitol for house bill 2354. It was a first for me so I didn't know what to expect. I was both nervous and excited. When the state reps exited committee to actually come and talk to me all the nerves went away. It was time to get down to business. I will never forget the experience. A year ago I never would've thought I would be traveling to Springfield to participate in an actual rally. I cannot wait to do something like that again!!!

Lobby Day

Hello All:

On Tuesday March 10, 2009 myself, Brittany and Nicole traveled to Springfield. I have been to Springfield a few times when I was younger on school field trips, but I have never gone to talk to actual legislators.

On this trip I got the opportunity to share this sacred experience with two amazing women. This was also their first time in Springfield talking to legislators. I just want to really affirm Nicole and Brittany they stepped up and really spoke out about HB 2354. They openly used the word "abortion" when speaking to legislators. You could see and feel the passion in these women as they talked to legislatore about this bill

I remember the first time I called both these women and offered them the opportunity to stand up for change. I would like to say that they have taken the opportunity presented to them and transformed into true leaders.

I've learned so much from this experience. It was very refreshing and encouraging to talk to legislators who can make a difference in the lives of the women I serve. I look forward to continuing the fight for Reproductive Justice for all!!!!!

Again, thank you Brittany and Nicole for standing up and speaking out and letting your voices be heard. Even the legislators were both surprised and greatful to see young women of color calling them out of committee to talk about HB2354.

These women were downtown at 5:15am in the pouring rain to catch the bus to Springfield. That in itself says alot about their dedication and determination. Nicole and Brittany keep me fighting!!!!!!


Much love to both of you I have experience some of the greatest moment s in my life with you ladies.

Stay Encouraged

Shay

Lobby Day!!!!!!

Last week I experienced my first actual lobby. It was a frustrating but also delightful experience. We were lobbying to get our legislators to vote yes in favor of House Bill 2354. Some were very receptive to it and others weren't so much.
Going in to speak to legislators can make you very nervous because there always stressed for time and you want to get in and get straight to the point, But fortunately my group and I were able to speak to 7 representatives. This step was very empowering and really made me feel like the activist I am. It was a long ride to Springfield but I know it was worth the trip.

February's Call-In Show Is Up!

This is part 1 of 3- check out the other 2 videos on our youtube page!

classism by any other name?

I'm going to piggy back off of Brittany's latest blog. First, a big thumbs up to Brittany for going on camera and talking about reproductive justice, abortion, the leadership group and being open to a whole new experience. We filmed the first segment yesterday and will finish up in a couple of weeks. Why is this important even when others don't think it is? Well, quite simply....we have a responsibility to bring the marginalized to the center. The experience in Whole Foods cemented this!

After the filming we stopped at whole foods to eat dinner and debrief. And yes, I pulled out my tax exempt letter, unfolded it and presented it to the cashier. I explained that it was tax exempt. She looked at it confused and then stated, "is this a link card or something?" I responded, "it's tax exempt".

This is what we are talking about. Why would this woman say that? It wasn't a card and the letter said State of Illinois Tax Exempt. One can only assume it was really because we were black and in Evanston. I don't like to believe it so I'm going to say she was ignorant and close minded.

Which brings me to the leadership group. On a daily basis these women....women I serve....are ignored, disrespected, neglected, and not given a chance. On a daily basis the women in the leadership group gather the strength to face a world that doesn't see them....a society that wants to regulate their bodies, punish them with restrictive laws and refuse to support them. Every day the women I serve represent the movement from the sidelines because the mainstream organizations don't believe in their leadership and refuse to respect their opinions. Yet, every day these women continue on. Continue the struggle for freedom on their own terms in their own lives. They do this work with us, while continuing to go home to unsafe neighborhoods full of chaos and negativity.

I am so humbled to know these women I can't even begin to express it. As I watched Brittany's clips and listened to her say that she is doing this work for her daughters, I cried. My life has been transformed by these women. I can't do this work any other way.

I do this work for them.

Gaylon

ps. shout out to Shay on her filming yesterday too.....she kept it together but I saw the tears welling up!

WHAT THE F***?!

I just finished filming a documentary about the My Voice, My Choice leadership group and it was very empowering. I've never been a part something this amazing in my life!! So Gaylon, THANK YOUxoxoxoxoxoxox. After we were done filming, we stopped in an Whole Foods grocery store and Gaylon pulls out a tax exempt letter and the cashier says, "Is this like the link card or something?" WTF!!!!!!! Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the link card an actual card? I thought so too. Maybe because we were black she assumed it was some form of government assistance because apparently that's the only form of payment we have!!! So in the words of Nicole.......... the whole foods cashier has officially been put on blast!!!!!!!!

DRAMA?!

Drama will only follow us when we allow it to. I'm not saying that drama is going to leave us for good and stay away forever but we must surround ourselves with positive people and things. If we continue to do things we've been doing, we will keep getting the same results. Sometimes when there is no drama we freak out. Life is not meantto be filled with drama all the time. Let go of all the drama and you'll be amazed with what you'll find..........PEACE!!!!

National Condom day!!!

As crazy as it sounds on February 14Th I was in front of the Art Institute in Chicago passing out condoms.Some people were very receptive and some were totally grossed out. Surprisingly allot of the people who were grossed out were older. I don't think people realize how important it is to be safe when being intimate. I learned this weekend that you can get syphilis from messaging someone. There are so many diseases and viruses out here that its extremely important to be safe. but I had so much fun giving the gift of protection and awareness I think I will do it again next year!
Peace ,Love and Choice!!!

Our January Show Is Up On Youtube!

Watch part 2 and 3 on our youtube channel!

"Men Will Only Do What You Allow Them To Do"

That was the phrase I heard this morning on the radio as I was on my way to meet with my job developer. And you know what! That phrase is totally true! Women you control your body and all the beautiful bountiness of it. So next time some man tries to pressure you to have sex or tells you he wants you to have his baby remember you control what happens and its your decision. Women we need to stick to this rule more often and be firm and use logic when dealing with the opposite sex or even the same for any matter. I remember a time when I went to see a counsler and she said to me young woman you have to act like you know. She said you know how the fifty cents song goes "you know but you acting like you don't know" and alot of times we as women, we exemplify that! when we know we can do better and we must do better and the same thing applies in the fight for reproductive freedom you control your body so what you want to do with it is your choice whether Henry Hyde approves of it or not.
Love, Peace, and Choice!!!

Damn.... When will the madness end!

Man stabbed to death for 'disrespect': prosecutors

CHATHAM 4 women accused in knife attack after argument

That's what I saw as I read the daily Chicago Sun-Times on Monday Feb. 2, 2009.

I have lived on the South Side for my entire life and growing up Chatham was a considered a "Nice" area. It's a neighborhood located between 79th and 95th from Cottage Grove to Princeton. Before I was born my parents lived in this area. It has a reputation of being a solidly middle-class African American community in the city, and is home to several of the most successful black businesses in the country. My father later bought a condo in this area and still owns, but uses as an investment property. This incident isn't suprising, because when lately when I'm in that area I have noticed alot of unecessary riff-raff and an increased police prescence. I have a cousin that actually lives a block from where this madness ocurred.

Since I have given the history of the area that this violent act occured. I also want to share when I was on my way home from a visit at my cousins early Sunday morning I seen the guy that was stabbed coat laying on the ground where the attack happened.

I just want to say that it saddens me deeply that five lives are gone. Five young blacks lives are gone over an argument about a broken cigarette. This is definitely another tragedy. A young black man is dead and four young women will probably spend most of their lives if not their entire lives in jail. I jusr wanted to talk about this, because a few short weeks ago we were rejoicing about the inauguration of the first black president, and then we still open the paper to see these senseless acts of violence.

Just make you think no matter how far we think we've come we have a long way to go. Think of how many lives this incident is going affect.

Damn.... when will the madness stop!!!

Blast Off!

Thanks Nicole for putting the blast o meter on! I LOVE IT!

Do want to touch on a few things. Barack was pretty much raised by his mother and her parents. However, when his mother got pregnant with him she was still married to Barack's dad. About two years later they seperated.

On another note....did you know that through the course of history religion has been used to keep people in control not to bring them closer to God. Women have always been viewed as a weaker sex - one that needed to be controlled. Yet, women have always attempted to control their reproductive health in some form or fashion. Even during slavery women had abortions so that they would not bring a child by a slave owner into the world. They would take herbs and other natural remedies to abort fetuses.

My point here is simple....women won't be controlled. We will control our own bodies...legally or illegally. We have the absolute right to regulate the bodies we live in!

Peace, Justice and Choice.....All the Way!

Gaylon

Ps. Nicole....some religious/spiritual folks are on our side too....look up "Catholics for Choice" or "Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice". And keep the blasts coming girl!

"Catholic Vote"

So I'm watching television and the catholic vote commercial comes on and of course it's a "pro-life"(anti-choice) commercial. It really bothered me not in the sense that I was touched but in the sense of the nerve of them. I mean they showed a baby in a womb and said that its father would abandon him and its mother would struggle raising him and then showed a picture of Barrack Obama and said he would grow to be the first black president imagine the possibility. As if, we all know that's not what really happens %90 of the time.Barrack Obama was raised by both of his parents so how could they even compare him to a child that's father walked out on him and mother struggled to raise him by herself.Also why did it have to be a black baby. Why couldn't it be a white baby or a baby who's father was there and mother was a successful lawyer or something, because it was a poor attempt to pull in poor women of color. Why would they even use the example of Barrack Obama when he has showed that he is very much for the woman's choice. I was disgusted by that commercial all together. The lengths people will go to! I just had to put the catholic vote on blast because they don't have mine!
Peace, Love and Choice!

untitled

I am sitting here trying to blog and I have so much to say that I can't even get it all out. I'm frustrated, angry, tired, happy, inspired, sad.......... Life is so hard but it's worth every second. So anyway let me just say this: I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the My Voice, My Choice leadership group. I've been searching for something to believe in 100% and this is it. So when I'm asked to tell my story about abortion, go to conferences, blog, or do anything that is going to keep this movement pushing forward, it is truly my honor! I would not be the woman and mother I am today if it wasn't for the Chicago Abortion Fund, everyone involved with the leadership group and Gaylon. So thank you everybody for allowing me to be a part of something so amazing. peace

Frustrating comments

There are so many frustrating comments flung back and forth between the pro-choice and anti-choice movement.

Part of the reason I love my work at CAF is, we cut out that crap (at least, most of the time ;) ). On our show, we just cut off the anti-choice callers. We don't engage too much with the "other side." We're too busy protecting and helping the women that call us in their desperate, vulnerable moments and who are willing to contact us to help them empower themselves and improve their lives.

Recently, while reading the comments of an article in the Washington Post about a medical student's weighing of whether or not to become an abortion doctor, I wasn't surprised about the slinging of insults, facts, and fantasy back and forth between people. Quite frankly, both sides annoyed me. But the most ridiculous argument was:

"By that line of reasoning, shall we wonder why pro-choicers only start caring about children when they leave the womb?"

(in response to "[anti-choicers] only care about fetuses, not children")

Some judgmental pro-choice people might follow that line of thinking, but no reproductive justice activist (of which I am) would ever not care about the health of a pregnancy. Us reproductive justice activists care about the first environment (the womb) and fight for reproductive health and environmental health (a major reason women and reproductive organs are unhealthy). We are often the ones fighting for more (FREE) pre-natal care, access to alternative birthing means*, better food in neighborhoods, etc. etc. From what I've read, states with the most liberal abortion laws often have the healthiest children and most programs that improve the lives of families, especially women and children.

At CAF, we place a series of follow-up calls with the women who use our services. Sometimes women decide to go through with their pregnancies or are forced too because they were too far along (both outcomes have many reasons behind them). We offer to send them an informational package with many resources (helpline numbers, programs, informational brochures)- on parenting, pre-natal health, birthing options, breastfeeding, newborn and infant care, support groups and more.

I care about and fight for the rights of women and children. The only difference for me, however, is I don't consider a pregnancy a child unless the woman does. I am sensitive enough to use whatever language the woman and/or would-be mother wants to use to pull myself up to her level. Because I'm not in her situation. This is a sensitivity- nay, a conviction- anti-choice people seem to lack.



*Doulas, for instance, consistently improve parental-newborn bonding and with all parties'- mother(s), child(ren), father(s), etc.- overall health and satisfaction with the birth.

Brittany and Nicole

Hello Everyone:

I just want to give a big thanks to two COURAGEOUS AND AMAZING WOMEN!!!!!!!! Brittany and Nicole.......

I remember the first conversation and meeting I had with both these women. They are strong and great and since we first met I've seen them blossom more and more. I respect and admire their strength. I am humbled and honored each and every time I am in the presence of either of them.

I can remember not long ago going through some of the same struggles, and not having any support. I want to thank you guys for allowing myself and CAF to support you!

You both are the epitome of womanhood and your futures are definitely bright. Thank you for being exceptional mothers, dedicated activists, and a great representation for young women of color. I had the pleasure of working with you both today, and I am leaving today for the weekend with a smile on my face and a sense a hope.

We believe in both of you and all though the road is ruff you both keep pushing. You ladies inspire me to keep striving...... You are one of the many reasons,why for the first time in my life I have a job I truely adore.

Thank you for standing up with us for your children, our children, your families, our families, and so many other women....

BIG UPS LADIES!!!!!!!


With love,

Dashaya

Roe Rally

Well I must say....the rally today moved me. Standing out there in the sun on Federal Plaza.....with other activists....expressing our voice....standing for choice! Wow!

But I was especially moved by Nicole....a member of the CAF "My Voice, My Choice" leadership group. She waved her signs and got on the bullhorn and did her thing! Amazing! And last night, she and Brittany got on stage at the abortion monologues and relayed their abortion access stories. I was emotionally overwhelmed! Yes, I was sitting like a proud mama in the audience but it was more than that.

These ladies believe in the leadership group....they support it....they want to know more about reproductive justice...they attend conferences, blog, host the talk show, educate themselves on choice related issues and make their faces and voices visible around the word "ABORTION". And it's not easy to do....but like I tell them.....we must do it! If not us, then who? We have to be visible! We have to speak out! The issue of reproductive justice affects them and those around them. So when they come to the table to do this work....that they don't get paid to do....because they believe in this.....it moves me to tears! I am watching these women....women who've had abortions like me....grow into real reproductive justice activists!



I also want to say a big "WHOO HOO" to Shay and Nicole for the coordinating of this rally.



A big thank you to those that supported, participated and worked on the Roe versus the Real World last night at the Center on Halsted! The Our Voice, Our Choices Coalition (who put the event together) with CFW is totally awesome! We kicked off the anniverary of Roe v. Wade in a very big way. To all the poets - you all TOTALLY ROCK! To Em (CAF staff) for babysitting and video taping. And to Brittany and Nicole - I LOVE YOU and I'M HUMBLED TO KNOW YOU BOTH!

Peace, Justice and Solidarity!

Gaylon

Happy Roe v Wade!!

I hope the rally was inspiring and uplifting... Remember these moments because they are very precious. Lets also use this power to educate and uplift our communities on having the choice.

Keep the movement alive!!

Sheri K.

Roe V. Wade Rally

I just finish rallying on Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago, Illinois for the Anniversary of Roe V. Wade making abortion Legal but also rallying to repeal the Hyde Amendment and let me tell you it was so empowering and such an invigorating experience me and other women of color coming together as one united standing for what we believe in we shouted and sang our chants of "what do we want access when do we want it now" and "hey hey ho ho the Hyde amendment has got to go" and people stared at us like, what are they doing ? But those stares only made me feel more proud and encouraged me to be more radical in the fight for women who look like me and want choice like me. So HEY HEY HO HO THE HYDE AMENDMENT HAS GOT TO GO!!!
Peace, Love and Choice!

Let 's talk about injustice!

What's up!

Barack is officially the 44th President of the United States of America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I was reading Monday morning Chicago Sun- Times newspaper (the observation of MLK b-day). The heading read "Dad told to pay up or hitch up". Apparently, In Flint, Mich. the paternity laws were amended five years ago to waive birthing costs for a father if he married the child's mother. Now if I just read that part I probably wouldn't think it was that bad. The reason I say that is because if a couple gets married after they have a baby then all their bills become one so the paternity case would be non existent right? Well, in this case the mother was on Medicaid, and the state was pursuing the father to pay the $3800 (the medical cost for the birth). They told him if he married the mother he didn't have to pay the medical cost. The reason they are offering this incentive is to maintain the sanctity of marriage.

What's wrong with this picture? I see alot wrong..... Is it because she's poor and had to rely on Medicaid! Maybe she wanted an abortion at some point and couldn't afford to get one ( that's just an assumption) and now they are going force a marriage.

Let us know what you think...... To the pro choice community that participate in this blog let's talk about this.

Please all........blog!!!!!!!!!!


In Solidarity!

Shay

Is it really worth it? !

I was just talking to my Advocacy Trainer Shay today and she told me how her job she has worked at for 1yr1/2 had threatened to fire her for coming to work late on a 15 below zero day where she has to get on the bus at 4:30am in the morning to be at work at 6am clear across town.At 4:30 in the morning it is very dangerous and cold beyond bearing.When she was telliing me this and expressing how disgraced she was it made me just take a look back and zoom into a time when I had to ride the bus clear across town for a job I despised in the cold and drop my daughter off before heading to work and It just clicked in my mind never again. Was it really worth it? Well I think not because I worked like a slave for them and end up getting fired unfairly and they didn't even want to give me my unemployment which I think is my right to have. So when I think about it why should you as a person slave for someone else or make sacrifices for someone else when at the end they leave you hanging. I 've been at that door plenty of times and its not a good feeling to have.Thats why I have decided to love me more and be more selfish because "ME" is important.No matter what else is going on. I think I'm worth more than some people will ever know!
Love, Peace, and Choice!

Mommy and Daddy lets talk about Sex

"Let's talk about SEX ,baaabbby" as Salt and Peppa sings

So let's talk about it!

Mommy and Daddy, we need you to be pro-choice and pro-active in our lives. This world is big and it is a lot we do not know, and your guidance will help lead the way. The way to make better and mature decisions. Decisions that will not hurt or kill us. Although we do not always talk to you about our feelings, we still long for the day that you will ask. Oh, and not in a way that make us feel like we are doing something wrong. See its hard not to have sexual urges when all we see on TV is sex. So when we see that boy or girl at school, play "spin the bottle", or "dare", its hard not to react or think to react. That does not mean turn off the TV, because we are human--sexual beings. We just need that talk that exhibits care, understanding and concern. By having a sex talk only means that when and do a sexual act occurs we will remember those words you shared with us. Remember when you were my age, didn't you feel the way I do? Wasn't it difficult for you to hide those feelings? I would love to hear about those moments, so that I won't feel alone. Or feel like I'm committing a crime. Mommy and Daddy, talking to me about sex doesn't mean you are telling me to do it, because I will when I'm ready. And having that talk does make you a bad parent, it only makes you a caring one. Sometimes I do not want to talk to my friends because they are going through the same experience and I need an expert. And life has made you qualified for the job. The truth is that I am going to have sex with whom ever I choose and I need to know what to expect, what to watch out for, what to do. Yeah, I know its scary, but if you love me like you say you will be up for challenge. The challenge to save my life. I can't wait till that day comes where you will walk into my room and say.....
And I will be ready because my questions are already prepared.

The New Year

Happy New Year!

And a new year it is.....

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies!

Lets start taking care of our bodies, minds and souls. We are strong and should remain that way at all times. No man, woman, or non gender specific person should dictate what we decide to do with or to OUR bodies. Too many times we find ourselves giving our bodies to other people, especially men without being careful. Yes! Careful. Why do we continue to have unprotected sex knowing the AIDS/ HIV, STD, STI, unplanned pregnancy rates. Why do we continue to play Russian roulette with our lives, our children lives. Is this ignorance or insanity? I am not here to judge or ridicule, but this is certainly a problem. First let's think, if this person is willing to lay down with us without protection , then the chances of them using protection with another person is very slim. Second, what makes us think this person respect our bodies if they do take the time to protect it. So here we are with a problem, because we refuse to take control. We then become sick, mad, motherless, confused, empty, hurt, heartless. Ladies, I am sad. I am sad because we are beginning to believe that we know everything, have everything under control and sadly we do not. Over those bursting emotions we must always use our heads. We are not satellites, we do not know about everything at all times. So therefore it is imperative to take caution, most importantly with our bodies. We cannot trust anyone with our temples but ourselves and if we do not trust ourselves then we have nothing. Lets start the new year off right by protecting our bodies, through safe and consensual sex. We have the power to take agency and must implement it at all times.
In Peace

Sheri K.

the eight letter word

Hello, Im new to this blogging thing so bare with me...
I started watching this show called "The Secret life of the American Teenager" recently and I saw a reoccuring theme going on in the show, That Abortion is bad. So Bad in fact that the word was only said two maybe three times in the whole first season(which I saw in a marathon)! they used difrerent phrases to explain it like " getting rid of it" or "getting it taken care of" but never the actual word, Abortion. It's like saying abortion is saying the s word while dropping the f-bomb standing under an umbrella on a hot summers night. I'm not exactly sure why, no scrach that, I do know why. Its because only Evil selfish women have Abortion, horrible women who are probably crack addicts and hookers. Not women who are educated, classy and sophisticated right? and they have to portray the main charecter in that light, or no one would watch the show. Well if people did there research they would see that one out of every three women have had an abortion. I really think that the writers and society as a whole needs to get there act together and finally see abortion for what is, not a stigma, but a well earned justice for women and Human rights.

Let's Get Ready To Rally!

Happy 2009 y'all!

It's 2009 and we have a lot to get excited about in the first month of the year. We have elected the first African - American President in history, it is expected we will be the majority at the largest presidential inauguration in American history, and yes it's the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
In honor of Roe v. Wade, Chicago Abortion Fund is holding a rally on Federal Plaza in Chi town.

We are not only going to be celebrating that a historic moment in history, but we are also rallying to support to repeal the infamous Hyde amendment and HB5615. We have made a huge step, but we have so far to go. I am so excited more excited than I've been in a very long time. This is something that I will be able to tell my daughters. I will be able to show that I was on the front line advocating for their rights and "ALL" women rights. I've always admired the art of activism, and I've always wanted to rally for a great cause that was dear to me. Most of all I've always wanted to be the voice for those who are not aware of how important their voices really are. On Jan. 22, 2009 I will get that opportunity again and I can't wait. It's crazy how each time feels as invigorating and powerful as the first time.

Join us in our fight and let your voice be heard. It's a very good feeling to be apart of movement!

Until next time, be safe, be blessed, and be empowered!!!!!!!!!

Have a good weekend......

Peace