Disgust and Disappointment Regarding Arkansas

How is it that we're in the year 2013 and abortion bans such as the one just passed in Arkansas even have a the possibility of passing? Oh yeah, that's right! We do live in a society that deems it acceptable to control women and girls by any means necessary! The same society that elects these anal politicians who can't figure out the importance of reproductive justice because they can't see the injustice in the first place (mainly because they created it). This ban which is set to go into affect this summer, bans abortion in the state of Arkansas after 12 weeks. Some women are just finding out they're pregnant by the time they are 12 weeks. Not to mention those of us who have to save up for our procedure because we are under/  unemployed or only have state funded health insurance. I use the term "us" because I myself was in this very situation. Not only does this ban under Roe v. Wade, it denies women their given right to make their own decisions regarding their reproductive health. I'm furious!!! There aren't enough words to express my disgust right now. Simply appalled!!!!

Is Pro-Choice Enough?

Reproductive justice means that women have the right to choose if and when they want to parent and that the resources to do so are available; socially, economically, environmentally. Being pro- choice is not enough when there is no access to the needed resources when making those decisions. Choosing abortion or parenthood is more than making a choice. What do you do after you choose abortion but the nearest abortion provider is out of state because of anti- choice legislation denies women access in their home state? What are the parents to do when their are no jobs to help them support their families? What about the parents who live in food deserts with no access to fresh fruits and vegetables? Or what about the women who are forced to carry a pregnancy to term because she can't afford her abortion due to her -underpaying job. Yes I am pro-choice and very vocal about it. I have shared my abortion story from Chicago to D.C. and live television! However, I do realize the importance of reproductive justice and its movement. It doesn't imply that women are victims. Instead it acknowledges and addresses the injustices that women face regarding their reproductive rights and health. Without ACCESS there is no CHOICE!

Here's To A New Trend!......I Hope

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/nyregion/cuomo-bucks-tide-with-bill-to-lift-abortion-limits.html?smid=pl-share

While abortion advocates rejoice his efforts the anti- choice community is in an uproar. The fact that abortion bans exists at any level speaks to how far this country has not come. Roe v. Wade ended abortion as a crime yet the anti- choice politicians and community have stopped at nothing to take away ACCESS to abortion. State bans on abortion means that women have to travel out of state to seek a procedure that is legal and medically safe. Where is the woman's choice if she doesn't have access?! The choice is then between which state to travel to in order to have an abortion. Let's hope Gov. Cuomo's legislation is passed. Maybe it will start a trend of abortion bans being lifted vs the wave of abortion bans being introduced.

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!