Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Sally Winn and I’m the Vice President of Feminists for Life of America.

Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that seeks real solutions to the challenges women face. Our efforts are shaped by the core feminist values of justice, nondiscrimination, and nonviolence. We are dedicated to systematically eliminating the root causes that drive women to abortion—primarily lack of practical resources and support—through holistic, woman-centered solutions.

It is because of our belief that abortion is a sign that society has failed women, that we urge you to support the Positive Alternatives Act.

Women need the resources that the pregnancy help centers offer, because women deserve better than abortion and children deserve the best start in life.

The funding for Positive Alternatives will also be made available for:

1. Nutrition programs for the mother and the child.
2. Family finance programs that will help the mother to do more with less economically.
3. Continuing education courses to make sure the new mother can get back into the work force.
4. Educational opportunities to have the new mother receive her GED or High School Graduation equivalent.
5. Drug and alcohol addiction counseling for pre- and post-natal care.

I stand here in support of this legislation not only because it is consistent with our organization’s mission and what is best for Minnesota’s women and children – but also because I’ve been there.

I was a junior in college when I unexpectedly became pregnant. And when I was making my decision, I didn’t weigh the morality of the issue. I didn’t think about slogans or political stances. I looked around and wondered: “Where am I going to live?” “How can I afford to have a child?” “What about insurance coverage and daycare?”

When I finally got past the initial panic of the situation, I realized that I had the resources I needed and really didn’t have a compelling reason to have an abortion. Well, that lack of a “compelling reason” has a name—it’s Emily, and she turned 11 in January.

I was fortunate to be in a situation where I didn’t have to rely on outside support—but with the epidemic that abortion has become, it’s obvious something needs to be done.

This crucial piece of legislation gets to the heart of the matter and addresses the root causes that drive women to abortion. It will ensure that no pregnant woman will feel forced to choose between her unborn child and her academic or career goals, that every pregnant woman will have the same support and resources that I had—the support and resources that allow for non-violent, life-affirming, Positive Alternatives.

Mattie Brinkerhoff, one of our feminist foremothers, stated in The Revolution, 4(9):138-9 September 2, 1869:

"When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society—so when a woman destroys the life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged."

Thank you for considering this legislation, which will eliminate those circumstances—those root causes—and help to right that wrong.