Blog for Choice Day ~ by Jay

The theme of "Blog for Choice Day" is "Why it's important to vote pro-choice".

I feel as if I'm sitting in front of a blue book with the clock ticking and the other students already writing. The answer to this seems so obvious to me that I can't quite believe that's the whole question.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? Because laws that limit access to reproductive services limit women's lives. They end women's lives. They condemn women - and their children - to poverty and struggle. And the people we vote for make the laws.

Why it is important to vote pro-choice? Because making abortion illegal doesn't stop abortion, it simply makes it more dangerous for women.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? Because "choice" isn't just about abortion. It's about access to contraception, and sex education that's honest with our kids, and support for women who choose to carry and raise their children. It's about women choosing to parent in non-traditional families, about support for LGBTQ parents and their children.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? Because women who can control their fertility have the chance for better education, more stable employment, and better lives.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? Because in the US, the politicians that want to limit access to abortion also want to limit access to and education about birth control and sexually transmitted infections. They support school programs that are connected to higher rates of unsafe sexual practices. They cut money for Head Start and refuse to expand sCHIP. They fight subsidized day care but won't expand welfare benefits to enable women to stay home with their children. They don't really care about children, or even babies. They care only about denying the agency of women to control our own lives.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? Because women have sex, and they shouldn't be punished or censured for it.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? Because limiting access to reproductive services in the US doesn't stop wealthy women from having abortions, or using birth control. It oppresses poor women and their families.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? Because it's time to reclaim the United States from the party of I've Got Mine and To Hell With Yours. It's time for women to step forward and stand up for our lives, and our rights, and our sexuality.

I was 12 when Roe was decided. My mother fought for abortion rights, and in 1973 she figured the fight was over. She's not happy that I have to keep fighting this battle, keep doing the work that her mother did before her, but she's proud of me.

Why is it important to vote pro-choice? So my daughter doesn't have to be the fourth generation to fight for women's right to their own bodies.