Everyone knows being pro-abortion rights is considered a feminist position. Since the beginning of the women's liberation movement, women have argued that their "right to choose" what happens to "their body" trumps the fundamental human right to life and liberty. Thus, anyone who opposes abortion, for any reason, is labelled a misogynist.But the idea that abortion is an acceptable practice does not line up with feminism in the truest sense of the word.
Feminism, in a modern sense, is a perverse movement. Feminists view women as weak and in need of protection, a viewpoint abortion arguments reflect. How many times have you heard, "She can't have this baby" or "She's too young" or "She's not smart enough to raise a child on her own?" In some cases, "she can't" may mean a legitimate financial need exists (and for the record, I'm not opposed to financially assisting broke, young, single mothers). Or "she can't" may mean, "The doctors have exhausted every single option, but having a baby is simply not safe." (In cases where pregnancy is legitimately life-threatening, I will --hesitantly-- say I am supportive of an abortion as a last resort). But in many cases, "she can't" is simply an insult to hard-working, capable, strong women who in fact can raise their children.
The next part is a bit more nuanced. To accept and celebrate abortion is to view motherhood as a burden. To say "having a baby will ruin your life" is not only an insult to the child, but to women. Motherhood and other traditionally feminine jobs should not be stigmatized. Think about how negatively society views nurses and teachers-- traditionally feminine roles-- and how angry that makes you, a feminist. Now why are you placing that same negative stigma on mothers?
"But," you say, "I'm not bashing mothers. I'm just supporting the choice to have an abortion." But I argue those two things are inextricably linked. At the root of every pro-abortion rights argument is a little bit of "Motherhood is an inconvenience." A little bit of "Motherhood should be avoided at all costs." A little bit of "Motherhood ruins lives." Usually it's unintended, but subtle sexism is still present.
For the record, society doesn't place any type of stigma on fatherhood. Being a single father isn't viewed as a burden so great that murder is an attractive alternative-- why? Because men are more capable than women? How can you call yourself a feminist and hold that view?
Furthermore, pro-abortion arguments center on women's superiority, not women's equality. Feminism is supposed to be about the latter. But in modern times it is about the former. Abortion rights activists say "A woman's right to choose trumps even the most basic human right-- the right to life." This argument is pretty selfish and gives feminism its bad name.
Lastly, the pro-abortion movement is not aligned with intersectional feminism. A lot of recent feminist literature has revolved intersectionality-- fighting for the rights of every marginalized group, not just women. The abortion movement has been linked to eugenics, racism, ableism, and classism. Thus is should have no place in intersectional feminism.
"Pro-choice feminism" has been the standard since the mid-20th century. But true feminists should celebrate and fight for the right to life.
