Happy Women’s History Month! In the month of March, we celebrate women; all that we have done, and all that we will do. For decades, women have been at the forefront of the reproductive rights movement. However, it is crucial to understand that reproductive rights affect everyone, not just those who are women. This is a human issue that we all have come into contact with. Let us continue to fight for reproductive rights and justice for all!
I often think to myself a bunch of “what if” situations. “What if the fire alarm goes off right in the middle of a test I didn’t study for?” or “What if I put myself out there and ask that guy out on a date?” or “What if try something new with my hair?”
These are obviously trivial “what if” situations that probably have no real effect on my actual life. Then, there are those “what ifs” that can cause drastic change. “What if I find myself with an unwanted pregnancy?” or “What if I have to leave school in order to raise a child?” or “What if I’m forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term because adoption is the only option?”
I have been blessed enough in my own life that I have not been in such difficult “what if” situations. I know just because it hasn’t happened to me, doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. But, if such a situation arises, I want to be afforded every option available for the safety and wellbeing of my own body.
I am pro-choice because I want to be secure in the fact that if a situation arises, I am able to make a decision for myself.
Unlike myself, there are people who have already been in these situations or are going through them right now. I wish they had or have the right to choose what is best for themselves without any limitations. With this current political situation, both federal and statewide, it is becoming more and more apparent that we are heading toward people losing their reproductive rights.
I should be able to dictate what happens to my body and whether or not to have a child. Having a child is something I should not have to worry about until I am ready to have children. There are so many things I want to do, so many places I want to visit, and so many things I want to try before I have kids. When I decide to have a child, I want to be emotionally, physically, spiritually, and monetarily sound.
What If I become pregnant and decide to have a child? Then that is my right.
What if I become pregnant and decide to give the child up for adoption? Then that is my right.
What if I become pregnant and I decide to have an abortion? Then that is my right.
The point is if/when the time comes, I will have the option to choose.