Answer these questions for inclusion in our next issue

Feminists for Life is preparing for the next great issue of The American Feminist. If you have experienced a pregnancy-no matter the outcome-please take a moment to consider the questions below. If you are comfortable answering any of them, please email your responses to editor@feministsforlife.org.

 By responding to this call for quotes, you are giving your permission to be quoted. Please let us know if you would like to use your name or a pseudonym. Note that we do require you give your real name and phone number, even if you would prefer using a pseudonym in the article.

To see if your quote is included, be sure your membership to Feminists for Life is current or join now to receive it.

Feel free to forward this email if you know a friend or loved one with a powerful story to share.

Thank you!

 


 

EXPERIENCES AT AN ABORTION FACILITY, ADOPTION AGENCY, COLLEGE HEALTH CLINIC,
PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER, OR DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Did anyone you were in contact with at an abortion facility, adoption agency, college health clinic, pregnancy resource center, or doctor’s office – a counselor, nurse, doctor, etc. – make you feel ashamed of your pregnancy or your situation?

Did any of them seem to assume you were ashamed of being pregnant?

Did any one of these people make you feel as if having an abortion would make your shame go away?

If you chose abortion, did you feel ashamed of your pregnancy before your abortion? After the abortion, did you feel less or more ashamed? Or was there no change?

In your opinion, what relationships do you see among guilt, shame, and fear, particularly as they relate to unexpected pregnancies, adoption, raising the child, and abortion?

 

PREGNANCY AS A TEEN OR COLLEGE STUDENT

How did people react to your pregnancy and how did it make you feel? (the father, your parents, friends, teachers/professors, counselors, health clinic staff, financial aid, residential advisors, chaplain/pastor/priest, etc.)

How did people at your high school or college react to your decision to:

  •           Parent your child,
  •           make an adoption plan,
  •           have an abortion, or
  •           choose guardianship or kinship care?

Did you plan your pregnancy?

Were you married, in a long term relationship, or hooking up?

If you hid your pregnancy, how long did you hide it, from whom did you hide it, and what was the outcome?

 

LARGE FAMILIES

Has anyone ever made a negative comment to you or about you in reference to the number of children you have? If so, what did they say?

Have you ever felt pressure to abort on the grounds that you have “enough” children already? Please explain.

Do you feel welcome in public places (grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, swimming pools, etc.) when you bring all of your children? If not, describe a particular situation where you did not feel welcome.

How might society’s perceived disapproval of your choice make you feel?

How have you responded to those who disapprove of your choice?

 

SHAMING ANOTHER

Have you ever shamed someone for their pregnancy?

Have you ever shamed someone for the pregnancy decision they made (parenting, making an adoption plan, abortion, etc.)?

Did it influence her decision?

How did it affect your relationship then? Now?