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!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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
Saturday, January 24, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, January 23, 2009
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
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
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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
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.
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!
Peace, Love and Choice!
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