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Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice QuestionsTM For over a decade, I have been fielding hard questions. Even before I joined Feminists for Life, people couldn't accept that I was both pro-woman and pro-life. It is so easy to get caught up in unproductive arguments that pit women against children. This week at the University of Delaware I was asked how we can work with people who disagree with us about abortion. How can we not? We must see the humanity of every person who challenges us. Look at the question from the perspective of a person who embraces “choice.” See the pain of the woman who was abandoned by those she counted on the most and was driven to abortion. Understand the well-meaning friend who offers a quick fix, not realizing that pain cannot be diminished through abortion. Grasp the embarrassment of a parent who wants to protect a daughter from a grandchild who might “ruin her life.” Feel the fear of a young man who is suddenly faced with fatherhood, and realizes that he is totally unprepared. Recognize the betrayal behind questions from those under age 33 who have never known a day without legalized abortion. Acknowledge them while offering unwavering hope that we can work together for better outcomes for women and children. Let's begin Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice Questions.™ The first question is “Can you really be a feminist and pro-life?” Because
women deserve better, "Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs
of women. Women deserve better than abortion." Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice QuestionsTM Can you really be a feminist and pro-life? Yes. Feminists for Life of America continues the tradition of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other early American feminists who opposed abortion. Our efforts are shaped by the core feminist values of nondiscrimination, nonviolence and justice for all. Established in 1972, Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that seeks real solutions to the challenges women face. Abortion is a reflection that we have failed women—and women have settled for less.
We insist on a world in which women have access to all nonviolent options. Think about the consequences of such a world for the workplace, schools, and society. We encourage woman-centered and parenting-friendly policies including distance learning, which allows a new mom to be with her child while continuing her education and saving on child-care costs; affordable family housing near campus; campus and workplace child care; health care plans for students and employees that include maternity coverage; telecommuting and job sharing; a living wage; and child support when one parent is absent. We have to approach this holistically. Pro-life feminists demand that society support the unique life-giving capacity of women, so that no woman feels driven to abortion. Women deserve better.
Check out what we've done for women lately. P.S. Next week's question: What about rape?
Feminists
for Life is a 501(c)3 organization. Click here for a printer-friendly version of this page. |
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