The Importance of Pro-Choice

It has been almost two months since the Women’s March on Washington. However, one notion was raised during the movement that did not sit well with me: pro-abortion

I saw many users on facebook directing this term as an insult toward women in the march. Or anyone who identified as pro-choice and supported abortion rights. 

A screenshot from my facebook with headlines and users promoting the term "pro-abortion"

👉was it really a "pro-abortion" march?

Personally, I identify as pro-choice because I strongly believe that no woman truly knows how they would react to pregnancy until they themselves experience the situation. I support women who choose to give birth, as well as women who acknowledge that they are not prepared for the lifelong task of raising a child. Therefore, I am fully in favour of pro-choice policies and safe abortions. 
That does not mean I am pro-abortion. 

In fact, is anyone truly “pro-abortion”? I would argue that no one enjoys the procedure, nor do they get pregnant with abortion as the end goal. Therefore, it is unfair to use this term to describe or insult people who support the idea of accessible and affordable abortions or a woman's right to choose. 

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Abortion Stories Before Roe v. Wade  

(the video link above emphasizes the severity of abortions and the importance of individual choice) 

* The last woman in the clip worked as a doctor for many years and states that making abortions illegal will not stop them from happening. Instead, self-harm or accidental death will result in order to have an abortion. 
This thought is horrifying and heartbreaking considering the scientific and medical advancements which has made the procedure safe and effective. 

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Individuals may choose to identify as pro-life. Meaning, they believe that human life begins at the moment of contraception and do not support the act of abortions. 
However, it is entirely possible for pro-life supporters to support pro-choice policies for others.

Recently, Saskatoon’s own Brad Trost had to cancel his anti-abortion rally in Saskatoon because of a facebook organized protest against his pro-life policies. 
→ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/saskatoon-library-brad-trost-anti-abortion-meeting-1.3954098

I  believe that if Brad Trost identified as a pro-life AND pro-choice candidate, the protests would not have happened. However, his rally was specific to anti-abortion and quickly drew controversial attention.

As I mentioned earlier, it is perfectly okay to identify as pro-life due to personal ethics, morals, or religion. 
However, it is not okay to take another woman’s right or choice away. Especially when the matter concerns her body and life. 
Therefore, I will continue to support pro-choice activism.

In order to make sure women maintain their right to safe abortions, there are a number of ways to get involved :

1. Action Canada -This organization is dedicated to helping women gain access to safe abortions across Canada. In addition, they are leading the women's movement by being the voice for sexual and reproductive international policy. Importantly, there is strength in numbers and requires public support 💛  https://www.sexualhealthandrights.ca/                                             
2. Voice support to your local and federal government! - Canada is planning to counter President Trump's recently instated "global gag rule" by investing more in sexual and reproductive rights 💛 Read the full story here!                                                                                                                                                                                                             
3. Remember that even if you are "pro-life", you can still offer your support toward pro-choice policies and women around the world 💛