Chuck Flickinger pretends “to speak for the silent majority of women and their families who must deal with abortion in their lives.” No law interferes if a pregnant woman chooses mother-hood. No woman is forced to have an abortion. But for the woman who, for whatever reason, doesn’t want to deal with a pregnancy, she may choose an abortion.
An abortion has less risk of medical complications than carrying a pregnancy to term. If it is important to be informed of the potential dangers of abortion, then why not also tell the dangers of pregnancy? The current script about abortion is one-sided, and reminds me of the scary side-effects mentioned in some pharmaceutical ads on TV, likely stated mainly for liability reasons.
An opinion presented by non-medical persons on the sidewalk is not a good way to become educated when dealing with either a wanted or an unwanted pregnancy, especially from someone with an agenda claiming to know the one answer for all women. It is pathetic to think that a woman in the throes of making a sensitive decision is approached on the street by someone wearing a mask of caring and kindness who then instills a sense of guilt if abortion is chosen. This sidewalk proselytizing may be considered coercion.
The abortion option is not just for a first pregnancy situation. A woman may not want a ninth, 10th, 11th…child. A century ago a fertile relative gave birth to 14 children. Was it her choice? What options were available in those days? Her husband said he dare not hang his pants on the bedpost or expect number 15. Fortunately now there are a variety of birth control methods available rather than just keeping your pants on. Pregnancy prevention is preferred to abortion.
Protect a woman’s legal right to choose her life path, without harassment. Protect abortion rights.
Geri Jensen
Grand Marais
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