The Disrespect to Women Has Got to be Through

Ms. Magazine will hit newsstands October 10 with a cover story titled, "We Had Abortions" and a petition that thousands of women signed, making such a declaration.

At first, I thought it rather odd to make such a public declaration of what is, at its core, a private and heart-wrenching decision. However, as always, after researching the situation and getting educated about it - the issue makes more sense. From Ms. Magazine:

It is time to speak out again– in even larger numbers —and to make politicians
face their neighbors, influential movers and shakers, and yes, their family
members. We cannot, must not—for U.S. women and the women of the world—lose the
right to safe, legal, and accessible abortion or access to birth control. Just
as in 1972, Ms. will send the signed petitions to the White House, members of
Congress and state legislators. We will also place the petition online. And we
ask signers to make a contribution so Ms. can promote the petition and provide
needed funds to fight abortion bans and support targeted abortion providers,
such as the sole remaining women’s clinic in Mississippi.

Your name and
your voice will make a difference.

I've never had an abortion, but I worked in a women's health clinic and held hundreds of women's hands as they faced the most difficult decision of their lives. I know more about abortion than many who just read about it, know an old friend who had one, or just listen to their male priests rant about it on Sunday. My eyes fill with tears when women talk about how they came to choose abortion and I remain firmly committed to seeing this procedure stay safe and legal.

Another signatory, Debbie Findling of San Francisco, described her difficult
decision last year to have an abortion after tests showed that she would bear a
son with Down syndrome.

"I felt it was my right to make the
decision, but having that right doesn't make the decision any easier," she said.
"It was the hardest decision I've ever made."

Findling, 42, is married,
with a 5-year-old daughter, and has been trying to get pregnant again while
pursuing her career as a philanthropic foundation executive. She says too many
of her allies in the abortion-rights movement tend to minimize, at least
publicly, the psychological impact of abortion.

"It's emotionally
devastating," she said in a phone interview. "I don't regret my decision, but I
regret having been put in the position to have to make that choice. It's
something I'll live with for the rest of my life."