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Health and Wellness

Catholic And Pro-Choice

Women should have control over their own bodies.

Shanika McCarty

Mar 06, 2017

American Twilight

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I want to let you know that I am a novice Catholic. I will be baptized, confirmed, and have my first communion during the Easter Vigil this year at the young age of 27. However, I went to Catholic school when I was in middle school and the college I attended (and currently attend as a grad student) is a Catholic university. I have always known the Catholic Church’s stance on abortion, but I have been pro-choice for as long as I can remember.

When it comes to social issues, I am pretty progressive. This has only been strengthened by my conversion to Catholicism because I am constantly bombarded with messages of hope, love, and community. By chastising people for making choices that go against our beliefs, this message dissipates. Deciding to have and go through an abortion is a tough choice and no one should be chastised for making that choice. Instead, women should have a support system they can turn to in order to aid them through the tumultuous period after having an abortion.

Now, being pro-choice does not mean that we believe everyone should go out and get an abortion. Rather, it means we believe women should make their own decisions about their bodies from the use (or not) of contraception to getting an abortion. In fact, due to the increase in access to reproductive health options the abortion rates in the United States have decreased. This year marks the lowest rate of abortions since the landmark Roe v. Wade (1973) Supreme Court case. Statistics show that if we want abortion rates to decrease, then better and increased access to reproductive health is needed. I would also like to argue that better education about sex is needed as well. We cannot just ignore the topic or only promote abstinence, especially in the culture we live in where sex, drugs, and alcohol are constantly being promoted in TV shows, movies, and music. We have to talk to young people about sex so they do not rely on the media for (unreliable) information. And we need to be real and honest about it (STDs and all), no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. I am one of those people who find the topic uncomfortable to discuss with total strangers, but I believe it is important to inform young people about sex.

My pro-choice stance does not make me any less Catholic than my pro-life counterparts. We just have different points of view and that’s okay. Not all Catholics are conservative Republicans. There are actually a lot of Catholic Democrats (can you say Joe Biden aka Uncle Joe). There is also a movement of pro-choice Catholics in the form of organizations like

Catholics for a Free Choice. This is the beauty of having free will and being able to make our own decisions. My faith has deepened my progressive viewpoints, because I believe we should treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter their background. The foundation of Catholicism is based on the teachings and life of Jesus, not social issues. He constantly surrounded himself with outcasts and those who were ostracized to show the power of love. I do not think any one of us can live up to Jesus’ standards, but he shows us that everyone deserves love and support. This includes women who have gone through an abortion. With that being said, I am a proud Catholic who happens to be pro-choice.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Catholic And Pro-Choice

Women should have control over their own bodies.

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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