I know that the topic I have proposed is very sensitive for a lot of people. Whether it's for reasons regarding previous experiences or for religious reasons, people are completely entitled to their own opinion. Something that I've said before and I will reiterate now is the fact that I don't believe in posting political statements on Facebook, and this is where I found my inspiration for this post. My beliefs are my business and not to be influenced or forced upon others. For this reason, it rather frustrates me when I see posts on Facebook or Twitter that are hateful and use language towards others such as accusations or name-calling. The biggest problem that I have with political opinions on Facebook is that the majority of people proclaiming their opinions will never be subjected to making the decisions or dealing with the realities of the issues that these people are facing.
For example:
Dear young male. I respect the fact that you have an opinion regarding abortion and as you said, "women's rights." (Literally in quotation marks.) What I do not respect is the attitude that you use when passing judgement on these women and their decisions. Having a religion is perfectly fine. I myself identify with a religious background as well. However, when you preach your beliefs in a way that condemns the actions of others based on your religion, my respect for you finds itself in sharp decline. You are entitled to believe that abortion is wrong. You're entitled to believe that someone shouldn't get an abortion. That's the thing about abortions, though. If you don't like them, then DON'T GET ONE. I also would like to point out that considering your (assumed) lack of a uterus, abstaining from abortions should not be a problem for you. If on the off-chance do possess both male reproductive glands as well as a uterus, I am providing the contact information for Duke University Medical Center (888-275-3853). I am sure they would love to speak with you.
I find so many people are, in my opinion, confused about the term "pro choice." I would like to clarify some points so that these people may understand what the true opinion of someone who is pro choice.
- Pro-choice doesn't mean pro-abortion. Just because I'm pro-choice doesn't mean that I agree that abortions shouldn't be given simply at the drop of a hat. There should be rules, regulations, procedures to be followed, strict limits on the follow-up after an abortion, and so on. There are other options to abortion, however, in certain circumstances, the choice should be left up to the woman.
- Abortions are not birth control. I'm a firm believer in the fact that if you get an abortion, you should have to receive a type of birth control (whether it's an implant, shot, etc.) so that there is a period of time where you are making a better preventative choice.
- I believe that birth control should be taught to kids in school. The minute the term "teen pregnancy" started being a household phrase, we needed birth control education in schools. Shows like '16 & Pregnant' are ruining our kids - and abstinence obviously isn't the best option. Sure, teach abstinence AND birth control, but not just one. Kids are curious and whether we like to believe it or not, they're sexually active years before they should be. Would you rather shy away from uncomfortable subjects like sexual intercourse or oral sex and the diseases that you can get and how to prevent them through condoms and birth control, or would you rather educate children and reduce the number of abortions that kids are having because they get into a situation that their teachers and parents never prepared them for?
The only way to TRULY know if you are against abortion in every circumstance is to be faced with a situation that you never anticipated. To be thrust into the shoes of someone who has to make that decision - who has to consider something she never thought she would.
