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Pro-Choice: Why It's Not About Abortion

It's about women around the world having the freedom to do what they choose with their bodies

Jan 16, 2017

Ever since I was introduced to the world of sex and reproduction, I have heard and seen countless debates between "pro-life" and "pro-choice" supporters. Over the last year or so it has become more of a highlighted issue, much to 2016's rollercoaster Presidential Election. Here are my own personal thoughts, as well research I have dug up, on the pro-choice movement and its opposers, and why I believe it is the best option for every woman out there.

For starters, pro-choice is not synonymous with "pro-abortion"--rather, the pro-choice movement defends and upholds the rights of women to choose what is best for them in their reproduction, as well as working towards the prevention of unwanted pregnancies by promoting contraception, reducing the need for abortions, educating women, and ensuring that families have the means necessary to raise happy and healthy children.

Although the pro-choice movement does not directly mean pro-abortion, it has been labeled as such for many years. Essentially, identifying as pro-choice means that whatever a woman decides to do with her body is no one's "choice" or "decision" but her own. Whether she uses birth control or not, plans to have an abortion or not, engages in sexual intercourse or not, it is solely her body and her decision(s) to make. In a nutshell, it is the belief in a woman's right to choose.

Ultimately, sex is not just for those who want to reproduce. There is a reason it feels good, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with engaging in sex for pleasure. Those who are anti-choice however, oppose even the slightest mention of contraception and sex education, as well as supporting the act of forced motherhood when a woman unintentionally becomes pregnant. This here, is where the problems lie. Forced motherhood is cruel, as raising a child should never, ever be a punishment for engaging in sex.

I as a young woman who has been on contraception for a few years now, am highly appreciative of places like Planned Parenthood, who not only provide services for those who are low income, but services to young women like myself who want to be proactive in their reproductive health.

I know plenty of people who would never opt for an abortion, but still uphold the belief that a woman can choose what is best for her. Being pro-choice does not have to mean that abortion is an option for you, only that it is an option for others.

I am pro-choice, because I support the lives and reproductive health of women all around the world. I encourage you to support them, too.

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The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

1. People asking if you're mad at them.

2. Those people who hand out flyers don't always try to stop you.

3. Creepy guys telling you to smile.

4. "I thought you were a bitch when I first met you."

5. People telling you you'd be "so much prettier if you smiled."

6. Doing your makeup and looking great, which somehow intensifies the bitch face.

7. Regularly explaining "it's just my face."

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

That moment that someone you never looked twice at suddenly makes you do a double take out of no where.

But you can't have a crush, that's outrageous. It's all in your head.

Because you don't have a crush, there's no reason to tell anyone about anything. Right?

But then they do something irresistible and you start to lose it.

Now accepting the fact you have a crush, you have to keep it under control.

Then there's the part where you tell your friends who will claim they called it.

They'll be excited and cheer you on. That's until they realize that your crush is all you'll be talking about.

Your obsession has become so bad, that your Facebook stalking is getting out of control.

But your friends will try and help move things along any way they can. That doesn't mean it will be any helpful though.

As time goes on, you start having fantasies about the two of you and it's starting to scare you a little.

You can't focus on anything because all your attention is on them and everything they do.

Anybody who comes near your crush is now an enemy, and you are willing to fight for your crush.

When you see them, you act like an idiot. Trying to hide your feelings may not be as discrete as you think.

Keeping your feelings inside will start to be harder and harder until you can't keep it inside anymore.

Who knows, maybe it will work out? Take a chance.

Everybody hurts sometimes.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

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2. You may feel lonely.

3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

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