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California congresswoman: a vendetta against Planned Parenthood has nothing to do with creating jobs or reducing the deficit
And a comment that includes more links and history: What sickens me is that Rep Speier is not the first woman to be "self-outed" as the recipient of an abortion in an effort to bring the point home. It's gotten to the point where our female politicians are being forced to disclose their medical histories to back their beliefs!
In Hour-Long Attack On Planned Parenthood, Beck Inexcusably Ignores Key Fact
You know what's especially extra-amazingly offensive about this? Aside from all the lies in general? He starts out with what seems to be intended to be a mostly rhetorical question: BECK: If I told you there were people in Afghanistan under the noses of our troops that were assisting mullahs that were keeping underaged girls in a slave trade and our troops were not reporting it and they were watching it go on, they were in fact assisting or advising the pimps, would you say those troops need to come home and be court-martialed? Those troops should not be serving us?
Really? REALLY? That's the example you're going to use? Because for once, I'll happily say Beck's right. He's right. We should go after anyone who does anything like that. LIKE DYNCORP. LIKE THE CONTRACTORS WE PAY. Somehow he seems to have missed that bit of actual news in his hunt to destroy scary left-wing purveyors of contraceptives, though. Nevermind that PP reported the scum to the FBI, and these contractors did nothing of the sort, and instead actively aided and abetted child prostitution. *rage*
Why I didn't have an abortion. -- Also, it's worth noting that the comment discussion clarifies further in useful ways. This reflects my story, too. My thoughts after the cut.
I'm fortunate and privileged and lucky that I haven't had to face this decision, at least yet (still 15-20 years to go, most likely). I had excellent and open sex ed from both family and school from a grade-school age (5th grade at a private school was head and shoulders above anything I received after that in public schools, but it laid the crucial groundwork, along with actively available info from my parents).
Although I didn't know of access to low-cost or free contraceptives when I first became sexually active, just after high school graduation, I did have the knowledge and confidence (thanks Mom!), to go to the pharmacy with my boyfriend to go condom-shopping. I also had the disposable income to buy them without worry. As soon as I got to college that fall, I had access to discounted contraceptives ($5/pack), and free condoms all over the place. I made use of both, got in the habit early of just always having protected sex, always using a backup method.
The one time I had a condom break when I wasn't using backup hormonal contraception, I was educated enough (thanks to a Female Sexuality class at college) to know about Emergency Contraception years before it was widely advertised information. I had access to a doctor I knew and trusted that I could immediately get ahold of for a scrip. As a favor, even though I had already graduated from college at that point, he only charged me college rates -- saw me free, and discounted the scrip (which was crucial, since I was broke).
From college on I've had uninterrupted health insurance for almost 20 years. Because I don't work for one of the many institutions that refuse to cover them (like the catholic hospital in our network), I had and have access to prescription coverage for the costs of my contraceptives, with relatively reasonable copays that I've generally been able to easily afford. My insurance is good enough that my preferred forms and brands have so far always been covered. I had the luxury of shopping around for a gyn I really trust and love, with whom I can easily have necessary conversations. Although I struggled some to find a good method, I've found options that work well with my body.
I have partners who share responsibility and, at times, costs of contraceptives. I have and have had partners who treat me and my body with respect and care. I've never been sexually assaulted in a way that created a risk of pregnancy. Lots of my sex over the years hasn't involved any risk of pregnancy at all.
All those advantages, and I've still had moments of panic and uncertainty, I'm still always aware of the risk, of the fact that "never me" only lasts until it doesn't. And despite the fact that so far it hasn't been me, abortion has been a part of my life since I was 16, since the first of many, many times the necessity or possibility has arisen amongst my friends and chosen family. When we talk about it, we're talking about our lives, not about some dry political debate. We're imagining what would happen if, what could've happened, we're applying the concepts to our lives. Because that's what it's about. It's about our lives. It's about what would've happened when my friends and I were 16 if Michigan had parental consent laws back then ("stern lecture" wasn't exactly on the list of possible responses in this situation). It's about what would've happened if my friends hadn't had the options they needed throughout the years. It's about the difference between choosing to have a child and being forced to carry one.
I get livid when folks imply that I just take this issue too seriously; it's at the core of my ability to choose the course of my life on the most intense and intimate level. And you know what's kind of interesting? When you do talk about it, when you are public about it, people talk to you. People who need an ear, or a referral, or who just know you're safe to share with. And sharing can be remarkably powerful, sometimes.
Also, as a note for my local friends, please be aware that I try to always keep a spare supply of condoms (including latex-free polyisoprene), emergency contraception, and pregnancy tests. If you are unable to get what you need elsewhere, either because of cost or access, be aware you're always welcome here.
Abortion rights activist Frances Kissling on why the movement is stuck in the past -- I disagree with her pretty thoroughly, especially her seemingly willful disregard for the fact that we _already_ make most of the distinctions she’s talking about (post-viability/third trimester requires medical/psychiatric need already, dammit! [also, since that cuts off unless you’re a member, have some wikigoodness; important note: the “reasons” listed is for 16 weeks and up, not for post-viability situations approximately two months beyond that point]). She’s got a long history with the movement, but the last few articles I’ve seen from her have gotten more and more baffling. I don’t really know what to make of it, but I do love watching the commenters tear this article apart in the meantime.
Texas to women: we'll manipulate you into keeping that fetus!
Nancy Pelosi's extremely blunt assessments of the true motives of Republicans are why her supporters love her and her enemies hate her with equal passion, and on a conference call with bloggers just now, she unleashed a slashing attack on the House GOP's new anti-abortion push that may churn up emotions on both sides.
Walk for Choice 2011
Rachel does it again. -- per a commenter: The segment that followed featured two Republican members of the Wyoming state legislature who were objecting to the radical abortion bill that was in debate... one of whom shared her personal story of having an abortion, and why the state needed to GTFO, from a purely libertarian point of view. It was pretty emotional and amazing.
On Labor
And a comment that includes more links and history: What sickens me is that Rep Speier is not the first woman to be "self-outed" as the recipient of an abortion in an effort to bring the point home. It's gotten to the point where our female politicians are being forced to disclose their medical histories to back their beliefs!
In Hour-Long Attack On Planned Parenthood, Beck Inexcusably Ignores Key Fact
You know what's especially extra-amazingly offensive about this? Aside from all the lies in general? He starts out with what seems to be intended to be a mostly rhetorical question: BECK: If I told you there were people in Afghanistan under the noses of our troops that were assisting mullahs that were keeping underaged girls in a slave trade and our troops were not reporting it and they were watching it go on, they were in fact assisting or advising the pimps, would you say those troops need to come home and be court-martialed? Those troops should not be serving us?
Really? REALLY? That's the example you're going to use? Because for once, I'll happily say Beck's right. He's right. We should go after anyone who does anything like that. LIKE DYNCORP. LIKE THE CONTRACTORS WE PAY. Somehow he seems to have missed that bit of actual news in his hunt to destroy scary left-wing purveyors of contraceptives, though. Nevermind that PP reported the scum to the FBI, and these contractors did nothing of the sort, and instead actively aided and abetted child prostitution. *rage*
Why I didn't have an abortion. -- Also, it's worth noting that the comment discussion clarifies further in useful ways. This reflects my story, too. My thoughts after the cut.
I'm fortunate and privileged and lucky that I haven't had to face this decision, at least yet (still 15-20 years to go, most likely). I had excellent and open sex ed from both family and school from a grade-school age (5th grade at a private school was head and shoulders above anything I received after that in public schools, but it laid the crucial groundwork, along with actively available info from my parents).
Although I didn't know of access to low-cost or free contraceptives when I first became sexually active, just after high school graduation, I did have the knowledge and confidence (thanks Mom!), to go to the pharmacy with my boyfriend to go condom-shopping. I also had the disposable income to buy them without worry. As soon as I got to college that fall, I had access to discounted contraceptives ($5/pack), and free condoms all over the place. I made use of both, got in the habit early of just always having protected sex, always using a backup method.
The one time I had a condom break when I wasn't using backup hormonal contraception, I was educated enough (thanks to a Female Sexuality class at college) to know about Emergency Contraception years before it was widely advertised information. I had access to a doctor I knew and trusted that I could immediately get ahold of for a scrip. As a favor, even though I had already graduated from college at that point, he only charged me college rates -- saw me free, and discounted the scrip (which was crucial, since I was broke).
From college on I've had uninterrupted health insurance for almost 20 years. Because I don't work for one of the many institutions that refuse to cover them (like the catholic hospital in our network), I had and have access to prescription coverage for the costs of my contraceptives, with relatively reasonable copays that I've generally been able to easily afford. My insurance is good enough that my preferred forms and brands have so far always been covered. I had the luxury of shopping around for a gyn I really trust and love, with whom I can easily have necessary conversations. Although I struggled some to find a good method, I've found options that work well with my body.
I have partners who share responsibility and, at times, costs of contraceptives. I have and have had partners who treat me and my body with respect and care. I've never been sexually assaulted in a way that created a risk of pregnancy. Lots of my sex over the years hasn't involved any risk of pregnancy at all.
All those advantages, and I've still had moments of panic and uncertainty, I'm still always aware of the risk, of the fact that "never me" only lasts until it doesn't. And despite the fact that so far it hasn't been me, abortion has been a part of my life since I was 16, since the first of many, many times the necessity or possibility has arisen amongst my friends and chosen family. When we talk about it, we're talking about our lives, not about some dry political debate. We're imagining what would happen if, what could've happened, we're applying the concepts to our lives. Because that's what it's about. It's about our lives. It's about what would've happened when my friends and I were 16 if Michigan had parental consent laws back then ("stern lecture" wasn't exactly on the list of possible responses in this situation). It's about what would've happened if my friends hadn't had the options they needed throughout the years. It's about the difference between choosing to have a child and being forced to carry one.
I get livid when folks imply that I just take this issue too seriously; it's at the core of my ability to choose the course of my life on the most intense and intimate level. And you know what's kind of interesting? When you do talk about it, when you are public about it, people talk to you. People who need an ear, or a referral, or who just know you're safe to share with. And sharing can be remarkably powerful, sometimes.
Also, as a note for my local friends, please be aware that I try to always keep a spare supply of condoms (including latex-free polyisoprene), emergency contraception, and pregnancy tests. If you are unable to get what you need elsewhere, either because of cost or access, be aware you're always welcome here.
Abortion rights activist Frances Kissling on why the movement is stuck in the past -- I disagree with her pretty thoroughly, especially her seemingly willful disregard for the fact that we _already_ make most of the distinctions she’s talking about (post-viability/third trimester requires medical/psychiatric need already, dammit! [also, since that cuts off unless you’re a member, have some wikigoodness; important note: the “reasons” listed is for 16 weeks and up, not for post-viability situations approximately two months beyond that point]). She’s got a long history with the movement, but the last few articles I’ve seen from her have gotten more and more baffling. I don’t really know what to make of it, but I do love watching the commenters tear this article apart in the meantime.
Texas to women: we'll manipulate you into keeping that fetus!
Nancy Pelosi's extremely blunt assessments of the true motives of Republicans are why her supporters love her and her enemies hate her with equal passion, and on a conference call with bloggers just now, she unleashed a slashing attack on the House GOP's new anti-abortion push that may churn up emotions on both sides.
Walk for Choice 2011
Rachel does it again. -- per a commenter: The segment that followed featured two Republican members of the Wyoming state legislature who were objecting to the radical abortion bill that was in debate... one of whom shared her personal story of having an abortion, and why the state needed to GTFO, from a purely libertarian point of view. It was pretty emotional and amazing.
On Labor
