Comments on: I Am Other

By: Cat

Cat — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:34:00 +0000

http://up4more2.blogspot.com/2008/07/choices.html

MPJ - I understand. I really do. (hugs) Cat

By: Ariane

Ariane — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:26:00 +0000

Perhaps because I live in a substantially less religious society, I have always considered those who moralise in an absolute way about abortion (or just about anything, come to think of it) as Other. It is awful that you had to go through that feeling the Other, you aren't.

The thing that occurs to me when I see these arguments made, is that this same society brushes miscarriage under the carpet. If a woman chooses the outcome, it is a Great Evil, if it happens naturally, a woman should just get over it, and for pity's sake not TALK about it. Apparently we get to be the Devil or hysterical.

Seems like in both cases, a woman should get the chance to acknowledge the pain, grieve as she feels the need and not have to justify her decisions or reactions to anyone but herself (and those closest).

By: Stagnant Artist

Stagnant Artist — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:06:00 +0000

The sad thing is this debate will continue until men are able to give birth. I know that if they were able to, this entire discussion would be moot.

By: mapelba

mapelba — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:39:00 +0000

I volunteered at a women's clinic for a few years. I stood outside to help the women coming in that the screamers on the sidewalk weren't the only ones there. I was just there to wave them in and make sure the protestors didn't hurt them--although what they said was plenty damaging.

I saw all kinds of women go into that clinic. I got called plenty of names. Once this man brought his small children to the clinic, pointed at me and told his children, "That woman kills babies." Another fellow liked to use a bullhorn to shout his insults. I'll spare you the other details.

Love to you.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:55:00 +0000

i've emailed you...

By: Mary P Jones (MPJ)

Mary P Jones (MPJ) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:01:00 +0000

Anonymous, I think I would do things differently today. But I try to be gentle with myself remember that I did the best I could do and I did what I felt I needed to do at the time.

I am in a very different place now. My kids are older, my marriage is much more stable, as are my finances and even my body. I have more physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy available. I have more faith.

I don't blame myself for what I did, but I don't think I could do it again now.

By: Burning Prairie

Burning Prairie — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:44:00 +0000

It is amazing how intimately the personal is tied to the larger world. I had my second miscarriage and the resulting D&C the Friday before 9/11/2001. And every year when preachers, politicians, pundits and programs regurgitate gut-wrenching shows about the event, I am immediately plunged back into that dark place. Those preachers, politicians, and pundits should never be allowed to air their views in public. This is far too personal of a decision. Nobody has any business even thinking about what goes on inside somebody else's body, let alone legislating about it.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:38:00 +0000

My abortion was 12 years ago...I'm still not ready "just yet" to re-visit that time either.
I know I shouldn't think this way, but sometimes I wonder if I knew then what I know now....
Anyways, Pro-Choice - a woman has a right to decide, even if she may come to regret it.

By: Marla

Marla — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:40:00 +0000

Having never been able to be pregnant in my life I can't imagine what it would be like to make the decision. I imagine it would be very difficult.

By: Molly

Molly — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:08:00 +0000

This is an amazing post! Thank you so much. I find abortion to be an incredibly hard discussion to have at anytime, so I can only imagine what that experience must have been like. So glad you shared this. Have you read This Common Secret by Susan Wicklund? I HIGHLY recommend it.