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.