Economics of Abortion

Many people don't realize the economics behind abortion. For women seeking an abortion there are several factors to consider; money, time, and family. First trimester abortions are less expensive than 2nd trimester abortions. That does NOT mean that it affordable. It simply is costs less than a 2nd trimester procedure. When I made the decision to have an abortion I was still in my first trimester. However, I could not afford the procedure so by the time I came up with the full amount I was in my second trimester. This also required that I miss two days from work since the procedure required that I return to the clinic for two consecutive days. I was only employed part-time which meant that I would be short on my rent money. Providing for the children I already had was going to be even harder as I had to miss work. My story is not an extreme case. This is the plight for most women who choose abortion. Most women who seek an abortion are unemployed or underpaid and are mothers already. These are real issues that real women face when choosing abortion!

Silenced

that scratchy feeling in your throat
knowing that the worst is soon to come
the fever, the runny nose, the aches and pains
And then nothing
You open your mouth to speak
yet nothing comes out
alas, your are silenced by something beyond your control
the flu has taken over
unfortunately women aren't silenced by the flu
we have anti- choice elected officials
who constantly attack us to thank for that
rather it's newly introduced anti- choice legislation,
another comprehensive sex- ed bill shot down
a new definition for rape
or attacks against abortion providers and clinics....
this is why i drink orange juice and feminist punch daily

Indiana's War Against Women

In the state of Indiana there is a Chinese immigrant being prosecuted for murder because she tried to end her own life while she was pregnant. Although the woman gave birth and her daughter lived for three days, she is still being charged with murder. There is no link between the suicide attempt and the newborn's death. This another case of  the rights of the woman vs. the rights of a fetus. I believe the focus should be on the woman's mental state or help should be given to her because of the suicide attempt. When a person's life seems so bad to them that they resort to suicide, they need supportive services and not jail time (besides, no crime occured in this case).

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

 I hope you all took the time out today to exercise and utilize your right to vote. Women and people of color weren't allowed to vote once upon a time so voting is not a privilege. It is a duty, your duty. You must support your candidate!!! Yes, government, we just might still love you tomorrow. As long as every person still waiting in line to vote has the opportunity to do so. And as long as their votes are accurately counted!

Was it Rape, Incest, or Life Threatening ?

We all knew that election time means a few things and the war on women is one of them. Abortion always seems to get media attention now and hardly ever after that (unless it's some new anti- choice legislation being introduce). Now every anti- choice politician seems to be coming out of the wood-works to state how they don't believe a woman should have an abortion under any circumstance. Rape is being redefined as I type and as quick as they let all this malarkey out of their mouths, an apology is soon to follow. Or in some cases a "clarification."
These "circumstances" leaves the door open for people to argue that one woman's decision to terminate a pregnant is justifiable and all others aren't. The only justifiable reason for choosing abortion is BECAUSE A  WOMAN CHOOSES TO! Having choice means women get to choose if and/or when she decides to become a parent under any circumstance.

ABORTION, ABORTION, ABORTION!!!

I find no shame in telling people that I've had an abortion. There is no shame in making choices and decisions regarding my OWN body. No one knows what a woman's current mental, physical, or emotional state is when choosing to terminate a pregnancy or carry it to term. Either way, a woman should be supported in her decision making. Too often does society look to shame and control women without tackling the issues surrounding abortion. What are some of the factors that aid a woman in determining to terminate a pregnancy? What social disparities contributed to her decision? What can we do to make sure women receive support and access to resources that will help her in all of her decision making? Women are forced to carry unwanted and unintended pregnancies to term because of lack of resources and support.Abortion isn't as black and white as society often seems to make it. What abortion is and always has been is a choice that women have to make. Carrying a pregnancy to term is the same thing: a woman's choice. And that is where the real shame lies.

It's Election Time

Once again the time is upon us to get out and vote! Just in case you have recently moved or have never registered to vote, please go and register. If you have moved you should receive something in the mail asking you to fill it out with your updated information. If you need to register for the first time you can go to the County Clerk's Office, board of election commissioner's Office, City and Village Offices, Township Offices, precinct committeemen, schools, public libraries, military recruitment offices. If you wish to have your voices heard now is the time. You cannot complain about the system without voting to try and change it. Registration is open year round except:during the 27-day period just prior to an election and during the 2-day period after each election (1 day after in Chicago). This gives you the entire month of September to register. Please do so now! As before, every vote counts and whichever candidate you support needs your vote now more than ever. Utilize your voice, get out and vote!!!!!!