Know Your Status!!

Today is Worlds Aids Day! It was estimated that at the end of 2009 33.3 million people were living with HIV. Those numbers are startling! I encourage everyone to spread the word through all of your social media outlets. Know your status, go get tested!!

Men In Abortion Pt. 2

My previous post addressed the concerns and the choice of the man surrounding abortion. In continuation of my last post, where does the accountability really fall in pregnancy prevention? This is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed among our youth and within our communities! "He said he put on a condom" is what I hear in my community and among women I talk to. If any of you talk to young people, we see and here it everyday. So my question is, if we deny men of making the final decision on whether we chose to continue or terminate our pregnancy, why do we put the initial decision of whether or not to use a condom in their hands? This was another discussion that we had on the T.V show as well. There's this stigma associated with women carrying condoms. Why? Should we not want to stay protected just as well as the man does? Or is that we are conditioned to believe men control and make the decisions regarding sex? Which ever you believe suits the best, should we be leaving the decision to use a condom in the mans hands? We are the ones that have to face the decision on contiuning a pregnancy or not right?

Some of you may be thinking that these questions are silly and rhetorical. But the reality is that our young people experience these circumstances on a daily bases. It is the majority of our young girls who are being conditioned to leave the decisions surrounding sex up to our young men and when pregnancy happens, their left alone to make the decision. This NEEDS TO STOP! But sadly, without proper education, this will continue to affect our young women of color on a daily bases.

Men In Abortion Pt. 1

As most of you may know, the Leadership group has a live show that we tape monthly and it airs on CAN-TV. Well this month, one of our topics was "men in abortion". We discussed it from all angles. From financial contributions to physically being there at the appointment; to emotional support before, during, and after the procedure, etc. But what it came down to was ultimately, it is the woman's decision to either continue with or terminate her pregnancy. But why? It took two to get pregnant, so why does it only take one to make the decision? One of our discussions was regarding the choice of the man in this decision making process. Does he indeed have a choice in this matter? What if he wants her to terminate the pregnancy because he isn't ready or vice versa? Shouldn't we respect and honor his decision just as much as hers? This particular discussion got me thinking. As a social justice person who is very much involved in the pro-choice movement, am I being biased? Am I denying and disregarding a man's decision to choose or not choose abortion? Hmm....

The reality is, as the old saying goes "momma's baby, daddy's maybe". The woman is the one who will have to give birth; which can potentially be life threatening, definitely costly and very much so demanding in every aspect. I'm not saying that men don't have a say in this process. They're opinion should definitely be considered and respected. All I'm saying is men should understand that whether the woman chooses to continue or terminate her pregnancy, this is something that directly affects her body not his!

Important Conversations

I was having a conversation with a 15 year old young lady this weekend ( friend of my daughters). While myself, her and my daughter were talking she " I wish I could talk to my mother like this". I asked her what she meant by that and she said that the only thing that she was told by her mother about sex, relationships, and boys was No, No, No.......

I can remember being 15 and not being able to learn anything about sex or boys from my mother, and I think that's why I was a mother at the age of 16. Luckily, I learned from that so I make sure me and my daughter have an open line of communication about EVERYTHING. Although her friend isn't my child I felt obligated to use that opportunity to educate her about her body and the importance of sex safe if and when she chooses to have sex. I am thankful I was able to have a meaningful conversation with someone that really needed it. If you ever have the opportunity to educate a young woman please do! There are so many young woman who don't get that at home. Even if they can't talk to someone at home having someone that they can turn to could change their life.

FOR COLORED GIRLS

Tyler Perry's new film "For Colored Girls" is a must see for ALL. I related to the film on so many different levels and even if I couldn't relate personally, I could see someone I know. It also gave me insight into other womens' everyday struggles that are different but even more the same. I was moved and inspired, also encouraged to face some of my own issues as well as be of some assistance in helping others acknowledge the possibilities of having their own. I strongly encourage everyone to get out and see this movie. Look with your mind, not only your eyes.

Yea America!

Since I woke up this morning, all I could do was think about voting. Not just necessarily the election in Illinois for Governor and Senate, (Go Dems!!!!) but just thinking about voting and what it means to Black people. As I have mentioned many times, My parents are immigrants from Ghana, West Africa. They got here in the 1970's but it was not until 1996 that they became American Citizens. My mom still talks about how it was one of the happiest days of her life when she got her citizenship, she was so happy the first time she voted for President Clinton's second term. It meant a lot to my daddy too, even though he didn't show it (men...). They were proud to have been part of the democratic process. And to think that When my parents originally turned 18 years old they wouldn't have been able to vote if they had been in this country since Black people were not allowed to vote until 1964. To think of all the sit-ins and marches people took part in, to think of all the beatings and bite marks from dogs and burns from water hoses people had on their bodies, just for us to punch a hole in a piece of paper, or as of the last couple of years, connect two arrows together with a marker. It makes me feel proud to be a part of it. I take my baby girl with me to the polls almost every election too because I want her to understand how important it is. I've been taking her ever since she was in my tummy and we voted for Gore in 2000. Next election in 2012, my son will be accompanying us as well. As bad as things are now, we have to remember that we still live in the greatest country in America so thanks to everyone who voted and for the people who didn't, don't complain about the outcome later.

VOTE!!!!!

Once I'm done blogging I will be going directly to my polling site and vote! I cannot stress how important it is that we all get out and do so. We can't demand change and still refuse to put forth any action leading towards this change. If we don't get out and support our candidate of choice, our chances of seeing change our absolutely impossible. No excuses guys, get out and make your voices heard! The time is NOW!!!!!!

The Story of Dr. Tiller's Assasination

So I am watching the story of the assassination of Dr. Tiller on MSNBC and all I can think is how crazy are these anti-choice people and why do they keep saying unborn baby. The guy who killed Dr. tiller totally contradicted his self by saying it is not mans decision to take a life only the decision of our lord, god savior.If this is indeed the case how can you feel justified in shooting a living viable human being in the head. Dr. Tiller's murder is a prime example of how some people are so judgemental of things they don't know about and how people can be so hypocritical. These anti-choicers claim to be so much for Jesus and so much for life but commit so many violent acts of hate. Which I know that an important commandment is thou shall not kill. What bible are you people reading? What values are you displaying? Obviously Pro-Choice believers and Abortion Providers are not the murders. Watching this story just disgraces me and just amps me up more to stand firm on my belief of choice. As Dr. Tiller said the women that his father had serviced taught him that abortion is a matter of a woman's life and health. So I'm not going to stand for my life and health to be in jeopardy and I shouldn't have to. Why should my life be devalued because of somebody else's personal beliefs, a person that is not going to aid me financially if i choose to come to terms with my pregnancy,or babysit, or help with the daily duties of being a parent. People have to look at the bigger picture.Women deserve choices and choices that are their owns not somebody else's. So I mourn the death of Dr. Tiller and I can only hope that one day I will have to fight no more for the civil liberty and reproductive freedom that women deserve because people will have woken up from their fairytale views. Peace,Love and Choice

Woman Abandons Newborn

I don't know how to feel about this.
All I can think is what reasons are behind this act that this woman did. In the article it sounds like she wanted the baby so it doesn't sound like she was abandoning the child.Anytime a woman hides a pregnancy there is cause behind it, and most of the time it's because someone is ridiculing them for there choice or threatening their lives.I believe there's way more to this story than the media is displaying.

Domestic Violence and Abuse

Domestic violence is disguised with many faces. The abuse, rather physical or mental, is still abuse. We should acknowledge the harm in both. They're both just as powerful and destructive. And the judgment needs to stop. No two people situations are the same. Every one's reasons for staying are not the same. Rather than judging we should embrace that person and let them know we are here for them and offer support. It may have been easy for me to walk away once the physical abuse started but in hind sight the verbal abuse was always there. From the outside looking in, there's always a different view. Being on the inside is just as different. Nonetheless, be encouraged and you will find the courage, through supportive friends and family, to also walk away.

Next Blog Week's Blog Topic

A woman who abandoned her newborn 5-pound son in a neighbor’s yard after secretly giving birth last year outside her Wheaton apartment received a maximum three-year prison term today.

Nunu Sung, a refugee from Myanmar, was sentenced as part of a deal that saw her plead guilty to a felony charge of obstructing justice for lying to police about giving birth to the infant on June 12, 2009.

» Click to enlarge image

Nunu Sung

The petite, dark-haired Sung, now 25, wept softly throughout the hearing, then was immediately taken into custody after DuPage County Judge Blanche Fawell imposed the prison term.

Sung, who has been in the United States for about four years, accepted the prison sentence because she hopes it will allow her to remain in the U.S. and to ultimately gain custody of her son, her attorney said following the hearing.

“She’s taking a very difficult sentence for her to both stay here and eventually reunite with her child,” DuPage County Public Defender Jeff York said.

As part of her plea deal, prosecutors agreed not to seek to terminate her parental rights to the child, whom hospital workers named “Joshua” while he was in their care.

Sung, who had been free on bond, had been seeing her son weekly in supervised visits since August 2009, though he remains in foster care under the supervision of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

She likely will serve more than a year behind bars before being paroled. York said it wasn’t immediately clear if she would be allowed to see her son while she is locked up.

Sung became pregnant while living in Texas, authorities said, then moved to Wheaton in February 2009 to live with a cousin and the cousin’s husband — though she hid her pregnancy from them, officials have said.

Sung left her apartment several hours before giving birth, telling her relatives she was going for a walk. They contacted police early on June 12, 2009, to report Sung hadn’t returned home, though officers later found Sung in the apartment.

While she was being questioned by police, a neighbor discovered Sung’s naked, newborn infant — with part of the umbilical cord still attached — crying softly under bushes at the edge of the neighbor’s property.

Sung ultimately admitted giving birth to the youngster, who suffered no serious medical problems despite his unusual birth.

Sung has accepted that she erred in abandoning the youngster and agreed to the prison term in hopes it will enable her to ultimately keep her child and her residency in the U.S.

“Trying to get her kid back was her first priority, staying here was her second priority — and her own welfare was her last concern,” York said.

Sung said little during the hearing but repeatedly dabbed her eyes after the judge handed her a box of tissues early in the sentencing hearing. She waved to several relatives and friends as she was taken from the courtroom to begin her sentence.

Domestic Violence

I think when alot of people think about domestic violence the picture they see is a man physically abusing a women. However, domestic violence encompasses so much more. It includes violence physically, emotionally, spirituality, verbally and mentally against anyone in your domestic household/life. This is so important to understand, because the reason alot of people don't know that they are experiencing domestic violence is they don't know exactly what that means.

This is a very serious issue and we only hear of a few of the stories in media once it becomes a tragedy. So just imagine all the stories that we don't hear about in the news. I feel that the abuser is 100% percent wrong for abusing anyone, but these people obviously have mental health issues. Men are usually perpetrated as abusers and in some situations they are, but no one should be a victim of domestic violence. That's the reason it's so important that the women abusers are treated just like men abusers. I know women that are very abusive to their partners ALL THE TIME! and they are not ridiculed at all. I'm not by any means defending men abusers, but as a woman that believes in total equality despite your gender feels society needs to stop making the face of domestic violence an abused woman. I also know that until recently men were able to abuse women and women really didn't have any protection from law enforcement. So it's a milestone that we have the laws that we have in place now and they their is even recognition for domestic violence. I am well aware that so many lives were put at risk and taken for those changes to happen. However, it's unrealistic to think that those lives were only womens lives.

I think its also very important to mention that same sex couples are not excluded from this kind of violence. This is not just a heterosexual situation either, and my heart goes out to all survivors of domestic violence. This is a HUMAN issue and if you know any PERSON that is experiencing domestic violence, whether they are the abuser or abusee please do all that you can to get them some help!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This is such an important month for an important cause.This is just one of the many ways that women are belittled and held down every day and it is so important that we band together and tackle this issue just like any other issue. So I just wanna say domestic violence happens every day not just in the month of October, so with that in mind lets work to end it every month of the year.

Purple=Domestic Violence Awareness

The color of the the month is...PURPLE!!! Yes, my favorite color, but wearing purple this month is symbolic for a very important issue in today's society. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is many times overlooked, a person may be in denial or just feels as if they have no other options. So maybe you're wondering... am I in a abusive relationship??? Domestic violence isn't only physical abuse. Domestic violence consists of physical, psychological, and verbal abuse. Does your partner say things that hurt your feelings, try to control your every move, monitor your phone calls, stop you from going out with friends or family, constantly showing jealous behavior, snatch you up out of the club, try to monitor what clothes you wear, blow your phone up until the battery dies??? You might have said yeah, that sounds like me, or maybe someone you know. Well maybe you should evaluate the situation and consider that that is indeed an abusive relationship. Okay, none of these things fit your relationship but it sounds like something a friend might be going through. Well, suggest that they get help. Encourage them to do better (without belittling them). And remember for every victim of domestic violence, THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE!!! But you CAN NOT be silent!!! No one can help you if don't say anything. Don't have anyone to talk to??? Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-799-SAFE. There is someone there to talk to. If you feel stuck because you have no other place to go, they will help you find a safe haven. Aw yeah, did you know if you buy a shop for the cause pass this Saturday 10-16 at Macy's($5), you will receive 25% of your purchase. Support domestic violence awareness this month, and don't forget to wear your purple!!!

Vote or Die

We as people need to realize those are the options and that's just the way it is. If you don't vote on who you want to be in office then it leads to someone being in office that has to make decisions about your life and the way you live it at their better judgment not yours. You have to think of voting as being a manager of the country and state and your looking to hire someone to make your workload easy.Be cause we pay taxes all year round on everything from parking meters to water to pay these politicians, so they can do what needs to be done in our communities and world so we are their employer technically.But if you leave the hiring up to others your not going to get the right employee. If you want something done right you have to do it yourself so that's why it important to Vote or Die.

Let Your Voice Be Heard! Get out and vote!!!

Okay everyone, as you all may or may not know, the midterm election is November 2, 2010. Are you tired of things not going well in your state, maybe your own community? Are bills that you feel should have been passed a long time ago still not in effect? Well, you can do something about it. Get out and vote!!! I can't stress the issue enough. You may not think it matters, but EVERY vote counts. Don't just wait until the presidential election. The midterm is just as important. October 5th was the last day to register to vote. Hopefully, you're registered. Don't know if you're a registered voter already?? No problem, check www.elections.il.gov (For residents in the state of Illinois) and check your status. On this website, you'll be able to find out if you're a registered voter and also give you your polling place. Don't worry if you're not a registered voter and if you've missed voter registration. There's still something you can do. Do some research. Find the candidates that support the causes you're fighting for. Support the candidates that you want to see as your next elected officials. I am pro-choice and I refuse to let my voice be silenced. I am going to vote, and you should too. Let your voice be heard.

VOTE!!!!

I often hear people complain and argue that "all politicians are corrupt" or "my vote doesn't really count". Well it does! I encourage you to all research who you want to see in office. We can't expect to see change if we don't get out here and vote. Even if the person you vote for doesn't meet and fulfill all your needs, if you never vote them in, NONE of our needs stands a chance. We have to stop the excuses and complaints, be less reactive and more pro-active!!

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH!!!

Election Time!

As we all know its voting time again! As pro - choice advocates we have to make sure that we vote this election season. The deadline to register to vote is October 5, 2010 for the November 2, 2010 election day. It is so important for us to research those that are running for office as they are vital in making decisions that affect all of our lives.

The following offices that are up for election: U.S. Senator
Governor and Lt. Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Comptroller Treasurer
Representatives in Congress
State Senator
Appellate Judge
Circuit Judge
Subcircuit Judge
I can't stress enough how important it is for everyone to vote. Every vote counts and although we haven't seen all the triumphs we expected, we can't afford to let the right wingers take control!!!! We must put forth every effort to keep the democrats in control. So do your research on prospective candidates and if you need more information about voters registration and/or election day visit: www.elections.il.gov/InfoForVoters.aspx

Let's continue to make the attempt to progress further by placing a vote November 2, 2010!!!!

TRUST BLACK WOMEN!!!!!

I attended a press conference this morning that was put on in response to the Alveda King "Freedom Rides For Life". The panel consisted of Toni Bond-Leonard (CEO of BWRJ), Khadine Bennett (staff attorney for ACLU), Kim Hunt (Executive Director of Affinity Community Services), Leslie Malachi (Director of AAMLC), Joanne Howard (former board chair of Planned Parenthood), Gaylon Alcaraz (Executive Director of CAF) and Dorthy Roberts (Northwestern University Professor).

They all came together to say "The National coalition demands Alveda King to stop using her uncle's historic civil rights legacy to target Black women's bodies." They all shared their personal stories and gave their responses to Alveda King's actions. I think that they all did a wonderful job with covering all aspects of the situation; and I also feel like they did an excellent job at calling her out to assist with the bigger picture at hand. That being, YES, there is an increase in women of color getting abortions; but THE ISSUE really is that women of color are living in poverty and don't have access to their reproductive health options. That's the problem!!

So to Alveda King, stop fighting us for the wrong issue; and help us fight to end poverty among women of color and help us fight to get access to all of our reproductive health options.

Make The Connection

I was having a discussion with someone about the topic of abortion. We both had strong views on the issue; mine being pro and hers being anti. So during this conversation somehow access to birth control came up and we started to discuss it. I explained to her that this was apart of reproductive health and she quickly took the defense and wanted to exclude abortion. My point in this story is to bring forth the commonality in my friends viewpoint and the rest of the people in our communities and the country as well. So many people agree that their is an issue with women having access to ALL of their reproductive health options, but they want to exclude abortion! Abortion is not its own entity; its apart of reproductive health. You can't pick and choose what part of reproductive health you want to give us access to. Its all or nothing and by right, we are suppose to have access to all of our reproductive health options. So people, MAKE THE CONNECTION and support a woman's reproductive health choices.

Billboard brainwash

SO I'm riding to work and I never noticed but today I did this big billboard that says "abortion hurts women and give us a call for real choices" What does that mean. Y isn't abortion a real choice. I mean it was a real choice for me when I had to get one. I thought giving people choices means using every option and letting that person choose whats best for them not telling them that this option is not a real choice. Showing them only some of there possibilities. People please get it together !

Parental Notification

Alaska is the newest of 34 states that require parental notification for teens 17 and younger seeking an abortion. This is simply another action from the government saying "sure, we'll legalize abortion but we'll put a million restriction on it." In the meantime, I'll continue fighting for the day when my body and my choices are only regulated by me cause that's the way it should be!.........and it will!!!

That Genocide????

According to Google genocide is defined as the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group.

So how is that women who are usually responsible for the parenting accused of intentionally killing their own race, because they decide when they want to be a parent. I am so feed up with society always trying to make women feel like they are wrong for choosing whats best for them and their families.......

We have to all come together and take a stand,because like I said many times before I am a parent and I've had abortions. With all the other violence and serious issues that are going on today why is a women choice on the menu consistently?

Mood: Frustrated!!!!!!!!!!

FYE

I wore my Hyde Amendment t-shirt to work and a co-worker wanted to know what it said, which eventually led to a heated discussion. This is the very same co-worker whose jaw dropped to the floor when I told him that I volunteer for CAF. Ever since I told him about CAF, he's been eager to debate the topic abortion with me. So of course I jump at every opportunity to voice my choice. And I love ending our debates with the biggest truth about abortion: it's MY body, so it's My decision!

CAF Turns 25!

Did you know CAF turns 25 this year? Yep, we've been ensuring abortion access and rockin' the reproductive justice movement for a long time!

Find out more info, check out some awesome pictures, and buy tickets here!

So save the date- September 23rd- and we'll see you there!

Latina Week of Action for Reproductive Justice

Yesterday started Latina Week of Action for Reproductive Justice and I thought I'd share my story with contraception, as the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health has been asking.

When I was 15 (maybe I was 14?), I was put on birth control pills by my ob/gyn. I know, most girls that young don't have an ob/gyn. I did. I started my period when I was 11 and it was was trouble from the start. I bled heavily, my cramps were so bad I'd pass out, I'd skip a few months then bleed a few weeks straight, etc. etc. So the doctor diagnosed me with polycystic ovarian syndrome and put me on birth control pills to help regulate me and see if they helped my other symptoms.

I barely got through two-month free sample packet before I threw them out. I got moody, depressed and started having thoughts of suicide. I got better once I took myself off of the pills, refused to go back on them and dredged through my symptoms, balancing midols, hearbals teas and sleep to try to get through the worst of it.

Because of my experience, I'm still weary of hormonal birth control methods for myself (despite knowing more about contraception now- the dosages were probably all wrong and I should have talked to my ob/gyn). I've vaguely considered getting an IUD, but I have metal sensitivities so the only other option in the US is the Mirena- which I've heard positive things about concerning women who react negatively to hormones, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Did I also mention I have a sensitivity to latex? Contraception for me is a battleground of allergies/sensitivities along with price/moral* issues, one that I'm still negotiating, depending on who I'm with and where I am in my life.

So, there's my contraception story. What's yours?


*I'm vegan, so I don't use animals products, or products tested on animals, where possible. Which is tricky when you're talking about medicine- of which most must be legally be tested on animals.

The secret life...2

Alright everyone, my guilty pleasure show is really starting to grow up! One of the characters Adrian, (a character I think they should have named "Lola" because of her seducing abilities), is pregnant. She got pregnant(by Amy's boyfriend, Ben during a brief separation) despite her being on birth control and them using a condom (which I also love the producers for writing in, a lot of people have this idea in their head that women who terminate their pregnancies are just out there being reckless with their bodies and that's how they got pregnant in the first place). So what does Adrian do...well first she refused to acknowledge her pregnancy because she was in denial. Then when she finally did start to really think about things, she realized she was not ready for a child at her age, so she decided that she wanted to have an abortion. The reason I'm so proud of the show is because they actually used the word abortion and not terminate the pregnancy or something else like they did when the main character Amy got pregnant in the first season. Not only that but a lot of the other characters on the show supported her right to choose which was also refreshing, One of her friends even offered to go with her to the clinic! The secret life has come a long way from avoiding saying the word "abortion" on television to Adrian choosing to have an abortion. Now in the end, the show airs on ABC family so she of course ended up not having the abortion. (I personally think that if she had, that would have brought in more viewers but just my opinion)I'm still very proud of the show though, It takes years to finally grow up and The secret life is getting there....one step at a time.

Kentucky!

Last weekend Shay and I went to Kentucky for a conference. We meet so many amazing people!!! It was so nice to be around people who believe in a woman's right to choose and not have to be quiet and coy about it. Friends/family members of mine think that I might some sort of man hater issues to be involved in a cause like this so being able to talk about abortion without having to defend myself is very refreshing. Personally I think of myself as being brave for speaking out on my beliefs and I've gotten the same response from most people. Anyway though, I have to say this...I think Kentucky is a beautiful state, but their little abortion inhibitor laws are even worse than Illinois! They have a 24 hour notification law, which means a women has to call the abortion clinic, 24 hours in advance to making her appointment. I know that that might not sound to bad to some people but it's these little annoying inhibitors that may make a women change her mind because of the extra work. She's already gotta deal with the stigma from other people!!!. Another thing I learned is that there are only two providers in the whole state so a first trimester abortion here in Chicago is actually double the price down there! We think we've got it bad.....One great day, abortion will not be looked at any differently than any other surgery....Until that day comes though, it's good for us to come together at conferences like these to share our ideas and opinions in a safe environment.

I love being a part of the leadership group! It empowers me and gives other women like me a voice. We're changing the world one day at a time! Look out!

Refreshed

So I just got back from a Kentucky from an amazing conference. So as of now I have done quite a few panels and when I get the opportunity to go to another state and talk to about what I do everyday I get re energized to come back and work harder.

Talking to the activist in Kentucky let me really see that although we have it hard it's much worse in other states. Being an activist we hear all these stories about no access, but you feel a different impact when you're in the midst of people that face those oppressions first hand. It is heartbreaking to know that they only have two clinics and one provider, and they cost of a 1st trimester abortion is outrageous!

I'm glad I was given another opprotunity to go and spread the word about CAF and My Voice, My Choice leadership group. I want to thank all the Kentucky RJ activist and the Kentucky Medical Students for Choice that welcomed us like a family and sang us many praises.......

I just back to Chicago a few hours ago and I'm in a "Save the World" state of mind!



Thinking of a master plan........................

Phone Calls

Calling women back after their abortion procedure can be tricky. If I call a home phone, I have to block our number, just in case they have caller ID (our name shows up on home lines for some reason). Sometimes their number has been disconnected. Sometimes they give me a family member's or friend's number, and I have to be discreet, in case they don't know. Sometimes the person who picks up is very cranky that I won't tell them exactly who I am or why I want to talk to her.

I say "this is Em from CAF, that's C-A-F, calling about your procedure in (month)" and it can take a minute- I like to wait for the moment of remembrance before I go on, just in case. Sometimes they get terse once the realize who it is. Sometimes they get excited. Most times, they just don't know what to expect. I don't blame them. Most of the women we help are used to uncaring workers or ridiculously bureaucratic government processes that aim to get them out of programs, not really to help them.

I ask them how everything was at the clinic, note any concerns or great experiences they had. I ask how they're doing now, go down the list of questions we have for our follow up process, and see if they have any needs in their life that an organization or agency we know of can help them with.

Sometimes they cry, and I refer them to hotlines to talk to trained professionals. I always tell them they can call me if they want to talk and I will gladly listen, but I'm not an actual counselor. Sometimes, the crying is because they're so happy that someone even cares to make sure they're OK. Other times- most of the time- it's because in a different situation, they would have decided to continue with the pregnancy. Sometimes, they don't say why they're crying and I just sit through it, but I tell them it'll get better, eventually.

Sometimes they chatter away, so excited to talk to someone because they feel isolated but oh-so-grateful that the procedure was taken care of. They make promises to pay back the grant in a few years, when they're in a better place, when this job finally calls them back, once their kids' daycare costs aren't so much. I assure them it's fine, not to worry, but if they do donate, it will definitely go to another woman in need.

Sometimes, they're still defensive through the whole interview, wondering when I'm going to pull the rug from under them- are we going to send them a bill eventually or if they answer a question "wrong"? Will we expect them to do something for us? Am I going to call DCFS on them because they're too poor for the kids they already had before all this?

I hang up, wishing them a good night and reassuring that they can call us at any time, worried about the cynical ones, wondering how much the world has beat them up, and the sad ones, wondering how much they're beating themselves up. I take comfort in the ones- the majority- who are just grateful that we helped them and hope they pull themselves out of whatever bad situations they're in. They got through our phone lines and the clinic's picket lines, they gathered as much money as they could and did whatever they deemed they had to do, by a mixture of extreme determination and I'm sure a little luck- hopefully that helps them everywhere else in their lives.

Abortion will cause breast cancer and condoms are not effective at preventing pregnancy and desease!!

This is such a horrifying false statement. I cant believe people would stoop this low to stop women from making their own choice with their body. I would say what has this world come to but it's obviously clear.This disgusts me beyond words. That's why knowing and finding out the facts for yourself is so important in this life. As always I will not be silenced and I hope more people will stop being silenced like me.Peace,Love and Choice!!

FOR JOB SEEKERS!!

TRUE...this recession is hitting everyone hard; both the employees and the employers are being affected. But does that mean people aren't hiring anymore....FALSE!!. There are little odd jobs here and there that have positions open. So here's a little F.Y.I:

CVS PHARMACY: They are hiring like crazy everywhere. All you have to do is apply online from there website www.cvs.com. The application process is kind of long but its worth it for a little extra cash.

YAHOO JOBS: If you ever go to yahoo.com there is a panel of options on the left hand side of the screen. One of those options is a yahoo jobs icon. If you click on it and type in your city, they pull up a whole bunch of job opportunities.

So....GOOD LUCK with the job search!!!

From the beginning of time, women have been expected to sacrifice. Sacrifice their time, their bodies, sacrifice their life for those she loves. Well, I wanna know when is it our turn. When is it time to sacrifice for us? our mothers sisters cousins...when is it their time? every year I ask my mother what she wants for her Christmas/birthday(which happens to fall on the same day December 25) and she tells me the some thing, "my health" are her words. I think its time to do more. I also think black men need to stand up and take care of black women like they were supposed to from the beginning. No we don't need them to...but that's what a man is supposed to do for a woman.Until we start putting women first in this country, it will continue to fall at the rate it has been.

What are our schools really teaching???

So I went to a Women's Empowerment fair not to long ago at the Englewood Community Academy. The intent of the program was absolutely amazing! I mean this program came right on time giving the urgency in addressing the issues that the young women of the Englewood neighborhood are facing; particularly with the increase in teen pregnancy. But I say "intent" of the program because YES the intentions were good, but it was a TOTAL FAIL on the implementation part. How can we try to empower and better educate the youth, especially on better safe sex practices and pregnancy prevention, when we can't even pass out condoms!!! How ridiculous is that. So my initial reaction was to blame Englewood Academy for such an outrageous rule, but come to find out, its a Chicago Public School rule. So you mean to tell me that you cannot pass out condoms in NONE OF THE CPS SCHOOLS!! No wonder why are youth is so miseducated. If the parents are in denial about their children having sex and the schools just tell them "DON'T DO IT" then they are forced to educate themselves! So please, if you are unsure about anything regarding safe sex and pregnancy prevention give us a call! We not only assist with funding for procedures, but you can use us a resource for these issues as well.

In Response......

As most of you may already know CAF has a T.V show that we do monthly. The feed from the show is posted up on youtube afterwards. So if you haven't viewed some of our shows please do so! But I didn't write to pub our show..NO! I'm writing in response to the comments that are posted up on some of our videos. I finally got the chance to read some of these "brilliant comments", and it was pure foolery!! Of course the comments were obscene and degrading; but the underlying messages were just of total ignorance. So in response to the comments: we aren't trying to brain wash black women you idiot! That is a ridiculous statement in it self. As a black woman who works toward empowering and uplifting women of color, that was a total slap in the face! I'm not sure how anyone can turn educating a community on issues that pertain and affect them DIRECTLY turns into brain washing. So to the person who posted the comment, who is a black man btw, you are hurting a race of people more than you realize. You are hating the wrong people! Instead of giving us backlash for trying to help and educate our people, you need to push that anger in the direction of the people who are setting these laws in stone that are more detrimental than helpful to our people. So don't try to stop our messages, instead pass them along!

Unfortunately, I don't have anything to blog about today, at least nothing I'm willing to share right now. Hopefully I will be inspired to blog soon but right now, I 'm still very much caught up in personal stuff. I'm very much still in the world right now, living my life, taking care of my children, but at night when no one 's around I'm still upset about stupid things that I got involved with even though I knew better. So what do you tell yourself afterwards? When you do something or get involved with someone that you know is wrong but you do it anyway. No one to blame but yourself.

How many mothers did you wish a happy fathers day?

So yesterday was Fathers day and I don't know if it was just me, but I seen more women celebrating than men! I got more text and phone calls wishing me a happys Fathers day then I did on Mothers day. I must admit I am a single parent and I am doing by myself so the compliments were appreciated and well recieved. However, it's way too many women out here doing it by themselves. I am a strong women and I support all the strong women out here, but the children deserve a good father as well. I'm not talking about the infamous "baby daddy" that buys birthday presents, gym shoes, and Christmas gifts. I am talking about the ones that make the ultimate sacrifices and are dedicated to raising their children like mothers do EVERDAY!!!!!

On top of all of that men are often trying to control our choice then we are the ones that have to bear the consequences ...... I just want to say if you are parenting alone... Kudos....

Crisis Pregnancy Centers & the Deceiving They Do

Recently while searching the internet for work, this absolutely disgusting website popped up (I took a screenshot)-


First off, this is a complete misrepresentation of miscarriages and the situations that surround them. Miscarriages are hard to study scientifically- of one study, 22% of pregnant women miscarried before a standard urine test could even register that they were pregnant. An additional 9% of women in the study miscarried.

The risk of possible miscarriages drop significantly after you can hear the embryo's heartbeat on an ultrasound- generally after 6 weeks. That's a 2 week period (assuming the woman has a 28 day cycle and took a pregnancy test at 4 week) where miscarriages are apt to happen and the woman would know.

Further, I'd really like to know what "technology exists!" that can detect if you're likely to miscarry or not that doesn't cost thousands of dollars. The technology that exists is expensive and women who suffer repeat miscarriages use it to aid their fertility. It's not designed for the average woman to detect if she's likely to miscarry or not (especially not in the hopes that she will). The website simply states that they'll do an urine test (i.e., the same pee stick you get at a corner store) and an ultrasound (and I'd really like to see what they say at the appointment).

I'm not sure where the "enlightenment" comes from this website. Misconstrued facts and studies to meet their anti-choice ends? Telling women who are possibly in crisis to wait- and wait- and wait until they miscarry, so when the woman opts for an abortion, the cost of the procedure is more, the process is longer, and the possible risks to the woman (mostly involving general anesthesia) grow. Not to mention a miscarriage is a medical complication that can harm and/or kill a woman depending on the details surrounding her miscarriage.

This is disgusting, and I really hope the women who stumble upon the website realize the information they are presenting is being done in a way to sway them in the direction on one possible choice in life.

Your Man was off the hook last night

This is what I saw posted on a shirt while in a local store in my neighborhood. When I saw this I ask the lady behind the counter did women actually buy that shirt and she said yes it was one of their best sellers and this disgusted me. Why are shirts like this always in minority neighborhoods, starting up drama. I mean what does that really say you were with somebody else's man. Did you feel not good enough that you could get your own.Why would you wanna be second place. Are we as women really complacent with that. This is madness. As long as you label your sellf as second you will never be first in your life or anybody elses.

May's episode of "The A Word" is up!

Damilla, of the My Choice, My Voice leadership group of Chicago Abortion Fund, interviews Laura, of Medical Students for Choice. They discuss medical students and abortion providers needs, barriers and problems.

Here's part 1 of 3. Check 'em all out and let us know what you think!

My Story

Back in May of 2009 I had an unplanned pregnancy. At that time I was under a tremendous amount of stress. I was finishing up my third year of undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as having financial problems both in my personal life and with my school. I was in no position to continue on with my pregnancy. With majority of my family being anti-choice, I couldn't turn to them for support, so I turned to my friends. That is when one of them told me about the Chicago Abortion Fund. They supported me in my decision as well as helped me financially. I am forever grateful with CAF for the help that they gave me and the opportunities that they provided me with.

All ends of the spectrum

I had the pleasure of interviewing Laura Rosenbloom, from Northwestern University's Medical Students For Choice Chapter, on our T.V Show last wednesday. So often we focus in on the access barriers that the patients face in trying to get abortion services; in fact we even touch on the barriers that abortion providers face in trying to provide abortions. So when we got the opportunity to interview someone who is a "pre-abortion provider" I was too excited!

During the interview I realized that they too have a access barriers. The barriers that the medical students face today is access to adequate abortion education and training. Abortion is not apart of a medical students curriculum regardless of the specialty they choose. So if they want this education and training, they have to seek outside sources. They have to seek an outside curriculum in addition to their already intense curriculum.

After doing this interview, it kind of gave me a look at all ends of the spectrum regarding abortion access barriers . We know those faced by women needing services; we know those faced by providers trying to provide services; and now we know those faced by medical students trying to become providers. So now that we know all of this, what can we do?

March's "The A Word" is on Youtube!

Damillia and Gaylon break down what CAF's Leadership Group, "My Voice, My Choice," does.

What's On My Mind

Last Thursday I hosted my very first educational forum. The focus was reproductive justice and what it is and how it affects low-income, marginalized women. It was held in Englewood because that is an area I have lived in for years and it was down the street from Roberson High School. Roberson High School has a 1 in 8 teen pregnancy/ teen mother rate. That statistic alone should be reason enough to see the importance and need for comprehensive sex ed in our schools. Not only in our schools but in our homes. In this day and age, how young is too young to teach our children about sex? We know it's not in our schools so we have to start sooner. I keep hearing crazy things about our youth that I would never even imagine. Very disturbing but I'll post it tomorrow when I have more accurate information. Just posting some thoughts, till then stay blessed!

First time on panel!!

Last Monday Nicole and I had the opportunity to sit on a panel at a conference. The panel was titled "Listening to the Women We Serve". It was my first time and I was both excited and nervous. Once I started talking I kept going on and on, which was great, because that was the point. I tried really hard to shed light on the struggles women like me face everyday with reproductive health issues. I will always have a story to tell because I live this day in and day out. I wanted the audience to understand why it's important for them to listen to it. We need to be seen, heard and be a part of the reproductive justice movement! That was the first of many panels to come, hopefully:) Peace!

Team of the Day!

For this team, fundraising is a family affair!

MiMi Cakes needs more donations- can you help?

Wednesday's Superstars!

Why is the "Vegan Vixens" team bowling?

"We believe that abortion is a political pawn in a fight to control women's bodies..."

Why is Dawn bowling? Her answer's very succinct: "[I] rock and so do[es Chicago Abortion Fund]". She's pretty far from her goal- can you help with a donation?

Tuesday's Team & Bowler of the Day!

Why is Affinity Community Services, an LGBTQA group, bowling for abortion access?

"Affinity Community Services signed up because Gaylon Alcaraz is an incredible leader and activist. And the work that the Chicago Abortion Fund is pivotal in terms of women's reproductive rights and human rights. At ACS we stand in solidarity with those engaged in the struggle for women's reproductive rights and human rights. If you are not free, then neither are we. If you do not have the right to choose then neither do we. And so we must all stand together! Our name corresponds to our celebration of 15 Years of Wellness, Leadership, Artistry, Organizing, Activism, Advocacy in LGBTQA Communities."

Will you help them meet their goal?

Today's bowler of the day is Jo Pollock, of the Vegan Vixens, who speaks of being a high school counselor on her page.

She's $40 away from her goal, can you help?

We're having a Bowl-A-Thon!

And we want to highlight some of our lovely participants!

Today's Team:

Why is the "Stupak is a Pin-head" team bowling? Glad you asked!

"We are a group of college students bowling for abortion access because abortion is health care, and access to health care is a human right. Therefore, access to abortion is a human right, and we are proud to support programs which help women exercise their right to choose."

They're $185 away from their goal- can you help them?

http://bowlathon.nnaf.org/nnafbowl/teampage.asp?fundid=172

Today's Bowler:

Why is Anne Elizabeth Moore bowling?

"My own abortion in 1994 was undertaken as a public education project, despite that I was in the conservative state of Wisconsin just as the backlash against feminism was gaining momentum..."

Check out more on her page: http://bowlathon.nnaf.org/nnafbowl/participantpage.asp?fundid=150&uid=416&role=3

"The A Word" - February- is up!

Due to computer difficulties, we're a little behind in uploading this year's episodes of our public access call-in show, "The A Word." I'm uploading them all as quickly as I can edit them!

Here's part one (of three), from February- Brittany, part of the My Voice My Choice Leadership of Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF), interviews me, the Client Services Coordinator of CAF. I talk about the recession's effects on the fund.

This Year's "The A Word" Episodes Are Being Uploaded!

Due to computer difficulties, we're a little behind in uploading this year's episodes of our public access call-in show, "The A Word." I'm uploading them all as quickly as I can edit them!

Here's part one (of three), from March- where Nicole, from the My Voice, My Choice Leadership Group of Chicago Abortion Fund, interviews Kim from Affinity Community Services, an organization that works with LGBTQ African American women & youth in Chicago.

MVMC is taking care of business

I know it's been awhile,but I have been extremely business since the new year has started! It's almost April and it feels like I just returned from Christmas/New Years break.

I just want to thank the amazing women of the My Voice, MyChoice leadership group. You all are blossoming and setting goals for yourselves and your families and I think it is a privilege to watch you all grow!

I have to agree with Brittany, Nicole your education forum was the bomb!!!!! It was really cold and windy that day, but people came out to hear what you had to say and I know they were glad they did.......

We are doing it ladies and doing it well..... We have so much more ahead of us..... So keep up the great work!


Look for the MVMC ladies in your community doing outreach and education!

What's New

Let me start by saying Nicole you rock! Last Thursday was Nicole's forum focusing on birth control. She awesome as usual. I will be doing one soon about reproductive justice and what it means for us. I told you guys we were going to be very busy and active this year. We also have an upcoming panel conference in which we will be speaking on the panel. Will keep you posted on that. So much to do and say and not nearly enough time but I am so glad that everything is on track! Til next time.....PEACE

The "A" Word Show

So weds I had the honor of interviewing Kim Hunt from Affinity. She was a very good guests and she answered every question precisely and was even able to answer questions from the callers nicely. So the show went very well although we didn't have that many callers this show which is odd. Oh well less callers means more time to talk about the issues.

Healthcare "Reform" Reaction

I love talking to the women that call the client services line seeking money. I love being someone who can actually hook them up with services and the money they need.

It makes me so angry that abortion funding was dropped from the healthcare reform bill. I can't believe that women who have so many other services provided to them for free because they are too poor to afford them, are basically forced into motherhood because they don't have the money to cover the procedures they decided was best for them in their situation. It's so frustrating.

I wonder if this politicians have ever listened to a women break down crying on the phone, because she's basically been forced to beg for hundred of dollars from strangers. Or have a mother call them for her daughter, who didn't even realize she was pregnant until her second trimester; or a mom whose daughter just told her she was raped- and pregnant from it. Or have a clinic worker calling for a women who is homeless and without a phone, but at the clinic and with only $20 of an almost $1,000 procedure. Or, best yet, the joy in someone's voice when I just solved their problem and they can go on being the best student/mother/daughter/worker that they can.

I wonder if they listened to any women at all when they passed it?

These People just wont stop!!!

So I'm reading some news articles on things going on with abortion and those same people who claim that black babies are an endangered species think that black women are being coerced into having abortions because of their race. Now I'm not saying its not possible, but realistically a person can't make you do anything you don't want to do.To me this is just another way of them interfering in our races reproductive choice.So they decided to come up with a bill that penalizes doctors for performing abortions on women who they know have been coerced in to making the decision to terminate a pregnancy. How crazy is that though, I mean if the women is grown and she signs the form that says no one has manipulated her decision how would the doctor know if she was coerced or not. This would make doctors more sceptical of performing abortions on women that are not of their race which would lead to denial of abortions because of race which would put the doctor and patient in an awkward position. These people need to stop!!!!

Thank You Abortion Providers!

Today and everyday we celebrate and thank you for all you do in the line of fire! You Make Choice Possible and it couldn't be done without you!

My heart is heavy for the family of our friend Dr. George Tiller. Dr. Tiller was murdered in his place of worship last May. And although the responsible party, Scott Roeder was convicted, it doesn't make the pain go away.

Women have the right to make decisions for themselves! They have the right to determine when and if they will parent. They have the absolute right to govern the body they live in. Dr. Tiller understood this as do all the other providers!

Trust Women.....because if you can't, how can you trust them with children?

Today is National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers

And they have a lot to be appreciated for!

I'd like to thank everyone who helps women obtain the abortions they want and need- from my fellow co-workers at CAF and the volunteers/leadership group members who dedicate their time to help make choice possible to the other funds & logistics organizations that help women pay for their procedures, help drive/fly them to clinics, or watch their children while they are at the doctor's.

A big, big thank you to the clinic staff, who walk through picket lines and are targeted for harassment (or worse) in their service to women & their families. A special thanks to the ones who take the time & energy to really counsel the women in their care to make sure that, not only is an abortion the best option, but whom go out of their way to help in any other way they can- referring to other agencies and organizations, even if the patient decides to continue the pregnancy. I always appreciate when the clinics we work with take the time to not only make the space a healthy, safe environment but also a warm, inviting and caring place.

And of course, where would we be without our doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and all others who directly perform and/or assist women with their abortions? Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for what you do. Under constant attack- verbally, emotionally & all-too-often physically-, you continue to press on with your much needed skills. I am ever so grateful that you continue to help women.

My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller's family & staff today, and hope that they are comforted by the good he did.

LobbyDay2010 Part 2

So on the 2nd I went to Springfield to lobby so the reproductive health and access bill could be passed.I lobbied for this bill last year and as I said before it was an enjoyable experience but not all people were as my daughter would say thinking what I was thinking. So we tried again this year and it was very enjoyable to see someone that gave us an hard time last year be a co sponsor for the bill this year. So that made me feel really good. Yayyy!

Lobby Day 2010

Tomorrow will be a long but interesting day. We are going to Springfield to talk to some legislators and get some things handled. Voice our opinions and sway the majority. Last year I did this and it was a wonderful experience as will be this year.Looking forward to tomorrow. Yayyy!!!!!

Wow!

All I can say is wow!

I've been a little busy on my end so I haven't been checking the blogs lately...but I just finished reading some of the most authentic, honest and heart warming blogs from the women I mentor....women in the leadership group. These young women are so dynamic that I forget I'm mentoring them. Especially since I'm learning so much from them. To read over the blogs tonight and see the comments and posts around slavery to the endangered species to paternity tests to domestic violence....all wrapped up in the choice framework....I see these women have on their critical thinking hats for real! But more importantly they come to the table with their hearts open and full of trust in doing this work.

This is such an amazing experience for me. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Ladies....thank you for showing me how to live fully in the moment in the most authentic way possible.

Much love and God's everlasting peace to all of you!

Gaylon

Today, I found out some horrible news...My sister is pregnant. My sister is a beautiful, bright, 23 and a half year old woman. She is ambitious(y'all know I'm not the best speller) and hard working just like our father (R.I.P. Daddy). She has 3 children already, my nephew and nieces are beautiful intelligent wonderful children, but unfortunately I cant say anything good about her husband so I wont say anything at all(even though he likes to curse me out every time he hears my name mentioned but whatever). The fact is my sister is in an abusive relationship, I'm not gonna put her business out there but we all know what an abusive relationship is. Either way, my little sister is pregnant again and I know what to tell her but I don't. I believe every woman has a right to choose what she wants to do with her body whether it's have an abortion or have a baby. It's completely her choice, but I know what I want her to do. Life is hard enough without making it more complicated for ourselves and even though her embryo might turn out to be the next musical or athletic prodigy, we just don't know what the future holds. I just hope she knows that I love her and support her in whatever decision she makes.

Why are there paternity test commercials on the radio?

So I'm listening to the hip hop radio station and it goes on commercial and I hear come get your paternity test for an affordable price and the location and it was a real hype commercial like it was no big deal.This is so crazy to me because i have listened to other stations that don't target minorities as there audience and have never heard this kind of commercial.Its just sad to me and when i heard the commercial i heard you better make sure the kid is yours even though that's not what it actually says and i think this commercial will probably lead to more guys saying the child might not be mine i need a paternity test even when they know dang well the child is theirs but now that thought is implanted.

I get what you saying

I tot tally understand you crystal but you have to look at the background of our culture. When the Europeans came over to Africa we were families and the man was the provider and protector but in came these people with the idea of slavery and their concept was divide and conquer. Ever since then for some reason it has been an on going cycle. Not only that nowadays it is being portrayed that being a baby daddy and baby mama is cool in black media. That's not cool at all. Now don't get me wrong I don't think its any excuse for our people not getting together and uniting as one as we were before. But allot of times people become a product of their environment instead of their imagination.

Why is it that when white people are ready to commit they get married and when black people are ready to commit, they have a baby? Time and time again when I hear black people talk about their significant other, they usually refer to them as their baby momma or baby daddy, but when you hear white people talk about their significant other, they are referred to as husband and wife. I can count on one hand how many weddings I've been to in my life, and I'm relizing how disturbing that is. I'm not ragging on us now, I could be wrong. This could be a generational thing. Statistics show that less people have been getting married since lets say our grandparents generation. Generation x(1961-1980) and y(1980-2000) have had falling marrige rates and higher divorce rates. than any other generation. But from what I see we need to start commiting to each other completely and get married because I want some wedding cake lol!!!

"Black Babies are an Endangered Species" Say What!!!!

So I'm reading news updates and I see controversial abortion billboard in Georgia and I click on it and it has a pic of a baby and it says black children are an endangered species. Too many aborted. I cant tell you how angry this makes me that they would have the audacity to try and play on my race like that. That is outrageous and ignorant. White women get just as many abortions as black women and the way health care is going its going to continue to be that way.Only in the black neighborhoods do they pull stunts like that. Its just like fpa they only put up billboards with leading abortion provider at the bottom in black neighborhoods. Why must they target us, but its okay cause we wont be silenced at least I won't!!

Pregnancy Pact Part II

So Nicole mentioned the pregnancy pact show about 15 year teenagers getting pregnant on purpose. I haven't watched the show personally but have had the unfortunate opportunity to view the trailers and commercials for it. I am perplexed as to why we as a society are glorifying and tuning in to see teenage pregnancy. Yet, we have many out there that is against ensuring that teenagers have comprehensive sex education. I just don't get it.

This won't be one show that garnishes my attention.

Hello

Im just running blank right now. Nothing to talk about. Maybe later Ill come up with something briiliant to talk about.

The Pregnancy Pact

So I was watching this movie and about three or four 15yr old girls decided they would all get pregnant purposely. This was just so crazy to me because they were white and one of their parents was head of the PTA and was a firm believer in abstinence and not giving children condoms in school because it would "encourage sex".But sadly ironic because every day this happens in our communities girls and boys producing at young ages their parents aren't equipping them with the right tools to protect themselves in those kinds of situation. I think this movie shed alot of light on peer pressure and how important it is to make your children well rounded on all sex issues.

Roe v. Wade Rally 2010!!!!

I was and still am excited about the rally held on friday!!! I left feeling more inspired than ever. I am so psyched and pumped up for the new year. I said it late last year that there is a lot going on this year, a lot of new and exciting projects. The 2nd annual Roe v. Wade rally was a great way to kick off the year! So definitely stay tuned to us and check out our show this Wednesday on Can-tv. Peace!!!!!

37 year mark

Yesterday marked 37 yrs of women having the right to choose thanks to the roe v. wade case. It was truly celebrated by myself and other rebels with a cause. It was cold and windy as it should be in the windy city but we sucked it up and stood together at the Thompson center cheering ho ho hey hey abortion will stay legal today. It was refreshing to see people show up and know that people have hope just as I do that women's rights will prevail even though things aren't looking so great in health care right now.So all that's left to say is we must keep up the good fight.

New Year!!!!

So the new year has arrived and I hope everyone is safe. As we dive into this new year I want us to continue fighting and advocating for our reproductive rights. Make sure we set aside time to volunteer when we can and support the MVMC leadership group. Your help will go a long way. We're all in this together and every decision affects all of us. Have a great year!!!!!