Blog Entry #4 - The Voice From a Woman: Demanding the Women's Right to Reproductive Choice.

    This debate surrounding abortion is one of the most controversial and sickening issues in our society. At its core, it is about a woman's autonomy over her own body against the world. I firmly and undoubtedly believe that the decision to have an abortion should ultimately rest with the woman, as it is her body and her life that will be incredibly altered. This topic should not be political, as the fundamental right of a woman to make choices about their reproductive organs should be up to that woman, not up to the government. 

    The principle of bodily autonomy states that individuals have the right to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy violates this principle in so many ways. According to Planned Parenthood, they state that "many people - regardless of their views on abortion - value autonomy and the right to make decisions that are best for ourselves and our own families." https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-tennessee-and-north-mississippi/talking-about-abortion. For years, women stood together to fight for their rights, and in a matter of a decade, this was taken away from us. No one should have the right to take away the rights that we have worked so hard to get, especially when it comes to the female reproductive system. The decision to have an abortion is so deeply personal and complex, that is influenced by factors including internal health, financial stability, and personal circumstances. It is not a decision that should be made by politicians and government officials, but a decision for the women who experience this situation. 

    Unfortunately, abortion has become incredibly politicized, with politicians using abortion as a political issue to rally their votes. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, "A decision about having a baby or having an abortion is a deeply personal, private decision best left to a person, their family, and their doctor. Yet some politicians remain obsessed with interfering" https://www.aclu.org/issues/reproductive-freedom. They believe that politicians are the root cause of this controversy. This undermines the fundamental rights of women and turns a personal medical decision into a battleground for political gain. Regardless of one's stance on this issue, it is crucial to recognize that abortion is about individual rights and freedom to choose. By depoliticizing the debate, we can focus on supporting women's access to reproductive healthcare that includes contraception methods, education on the matter, and safe abortion services. Upholding a woman's right to choose is not a matter of politics, and it is sickening that the government has chosen to take away women's right to their own bodies. 

    To rephrase, the debate over abortion is fundamentally about women's autonomy and the right to choose. It is about recognizing and respecting the choices of individuals who make decisions on their own lives and bodies. By discussing women's rights rather than the political agendas, we can work towards a society where every person has the freedom to make their own choices about their reproductive health without fear of criticism and judgment.