I read the blog (all the while I was very conscientious about the fact that I was at work and the word "abortion" was splashed across the screen). The writing was very good. And the author seemed bright and witty as she documented the trials and tribulations she is currently undergoing until she has her surgical abortion (in 2 wks time according to the post).
I'm not sure how I feel about this. Let me clarify. I am very liberal in my views and I believe 100% in freedom of speech. I have no problem with her blog and in a way I do appreciate the honest portrayal of what is happening to her. Without any condemmings to hell or Christian propaganda. I'm pro-choice. I'm a nurse. I understand how dangerous it would be if young women were denied this right. But I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm pro-abortion.
Years ago I was terrified of those 2 pink lines on the stick tests. I most definitely would have had an abortion if you asked a knocked up me, aged 17. But today at 26, I surprise myself at how conservative my personal thinking has become. I want to have a baby (not tomorrow - hopefully planned and within the context of a happy family), but in the not-so-distant future I daydream about a cute bump or an adorable mini me. Abortion is no longer in my vocabulary,
Again, as a health care person, I appreciate this author's ability to describe her condition to the masses. It is easy and accessible. The part that didn't sit too well with me was the nonchalant way - the almost giddy way - she described the relief she will feel upon completing the procedure. She likens the abortion to a "reconstruction of {her} uterus". As though the pregnancy is an anomaly and she must "fix" it. She describes the procedure as a few cramps and some amnesics and boom - mommy no more.
I take offense because I see so many women in the ER everyday who are pregnant with complications. The majority of these women want these babies with all their hearts and souls. I see a future me. I pray that I never have difficulty in the baby making department. I know I would be in love with that baby the second the stick says "pregnant".
I'm confused by my own thoughts sometimes. I feel that if we were to go back to the times before women could make their own choices, the times of back alley abortions and hemorrhaging in the homes, the fatalities would be devastating. Or babies would be had and abused and unwanted. But, here I am, a woman, and I'm offended at the way this girl chooses to discuss her choice. I feel her lack of remorse, her sarcasm and her analogies are almost irresponsible. No one should be led to believe the choice is as simple as a mole removal or a cavity filling.
It's as though the second I turned 26, I started thinking this way. I realized that to have an abortion at my age just didn't make sense any more. I have a decent job, insurance, etc. The option just disappeared one day. It was replaced with a sense of wanting and hoping to have the privilege of being some one's mom (some time in the FUTURE). Now, when I try to put myself in the shoes of other's, the shoes don't fit. I'm not there any more.
I thank God quite often that I never did have to make that choice. I've had so many close encounters. I have so many memories of being 17 and stupid and ending up in the bathroom of Barnes and Noble peeing on a stick and days of praying for my period, thrilled with cramps and the first sign of blood - I would never want to go back there. Ever. However, it is scary to think that the next step will be days in my bathroom, peeing on a stick, disappointed by the sight of my own blood. At what age, exactly, does the transition occur?
Being an adult is so funny.
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