I think it's important to explain why women get abortions at various times.

[Ilsa]

Sure, we can tell inquirers that the "why" or "why now" is none of their business, but that doesn't help them understand the myriad reasons to defend abortion rights. Right now, I think we need more defenders and fewer people who say "yes" but qualify it.

When so many people are indifferent due to ignorance, abortion rights become less of a priority. And republicans have counted on that indifference as they gradually hammered away at various aspects of abortion care, such as requiring multiple sonograms, hospital privileges to a hospital not more than X miles away, etc. The more everyone knows about abortion, the more they understand its necessity.

[bucolic_frolic]

1. none of their business

you're right. it's none of Republicans' business. Why should they meddle in people's lives and privacy? Are we looking into theirs? I think it's important to ask WHY they're so interested in everyone else's business because I don't think that's been answered. They want to control and dictate and harm and punish because they think they know better. Self-importance is part of it. Dominance is another.

Democrats need to attack and set Republicans back on their heels. Their motives are a violation of autonomy, privacy, and personal space. They don't know anything more than anyone else does, they just like to think they do.

[onecaliberal]

2. Their motivation is republican jesus. They couldn't care less about your pain.

They purposely vote knowing they’re hurting themselves on the basis that it also hurt us. These people are soulless and evil. They have no truth and there is no bottom. NO BOTTOM.

[Ilsa]

4. I think you're missing my point.

There are many people who are indifferent because they don't know the truth about why women want or need abortions. If explaining to someone that their older sister has a particular situation, that indifferent person might see the necessity for not undoing abortion rights.

I don't think any woman should have to explain why she needs an abortion. But I think undoing the lies about abortion, and getting real facts out, is critical to keeping the right.

[bucolic_frolic]

13. Apologies if I missed the subtlety of personal freedom and privacy

It is kind of invisible in the whole kerfuffle, and it shouldn't be. A right and privacy go hand in hand. Quietly.

[Ilsa]

14. It should. But not everyone can think that abstractly

and avoid the tortuous religious aspects dumped on them by RWers. Many people just go with the flow around them.

I'm tired of people qualifying this right: "only before 15 weeks," "only to save the life of the mother," etc. Discussion and persuasion can make a difference.

Once again, I'm not talking about people having to explain their own case. I'm talking about making abortion personal to the listener. I'm talking about educating people why it's necessary. Not everyone watches fifteen year old Congressional hearings.

[Claire Oh Nette]

19. Exactly this: the inalienable right to privacy

The pro-choice position does not impose its will on those who do not "believe" in abortion, or do not want to terminate a pregnancy. Women, under this system, are free to gestate, labor, and bear as many children as they like. No one is losing any freedom. No one is stripped of their rights.

Under the strictly religious objection of the forced birth agenda, held by approximately 30% of Americans, the anti-abortion position forces its *belief system* on others, and women lose their right to privacy, autonomy, and self determination. They want to impose their will on others and limit their freedom. This is tyranny.

I can't do it because my religion says so ( it doesn't, but that's adifferent post) is not the same as YOU can't do it because MY religion says so.

Women have elective abortions because 1) they do not want to be pregnant. 2) None of anyone else's business.

[Hekate]

3. In my life I have watched innumerable attempts to explain. It NEVER works. They are fanatics...

If women die, THEY DO NOT CARE.

Take the so-called Partial Birth Abortion Ban. It is a horrific lie from start to finish. Women got up in front of the US Congress to share the most horrible events of their lives, they wept, they sobbed. AND THE REPUBLICANS DID NOT GIVE A FLYING FUCK.

[Ilsa]

5. I'm not talking about those RW slobs. I'm talking about

people who are generally indifferent.

[TreasonousBastard]

7. Agreed. They have a religious belief, even if no religion is...

involved. It is an almost ingrained belief that merely exists, not developed through normal mental processes.

They cannot be reasoned with, but must simply be pushed out of the way and given time to find their own truth.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

6. People get abortions because they don't want to be pregnant anymore.

While emotional or difficult personal stories can illustrate the difficulties people go through to access abortions, those stories can also make it easy to see some abortions as "worthy" or "deserved" or "the obvious exception" and others as unworthy. You either support the right of people to get abortions or you don't.

[Solly Mack]

8. Thank you.

[Ilsa]

11. I don't think it's that simple for everyone.

Some people live in a gray area until the light is shown and they understand why it might affect them personally. Understanding leads to moving in the pro-choice direction.

[leftstreet]

9. No, it's not. Women should NOT be on the defensive

The only answer any woman needs to give to any "inquirer" about "why or why now" is fuck off.

It's no one's business but hers

[Ilsa]

10. I'm not talking about any specific woman. I'm talking about

explaining why things are done, and when.

There are plenty of people who are indifferent until they understand what is at stake, and that it might be a right they'll need. I want more people on our side defending the right to an abortion.

[Claire Oh Nette]

21. My RW Ultra conservative CHristian Iowanian in-laws will not engage on my specifics

I have a heart condition "fatal in labor and delivery." My first heart attack was at 24, in the prime of my fertility. I'm part of the cohort that added cardiac risks to BCs. SPontaneous disecction--80% women, average age, ~40. Many women have these tears post partum, as well. A pre menopausal heart problem.

When my husband and I did try to conceive, my cardiologist(s) and my Gyno had several conference calls to change medications and allow us to try. At 35, it was a high risk anyway, and I would have to have a C- section if.... and after one miscarriage, we stopped. A year off meds also allowed for further ischemic heart muscle damage.

They think in black and white, and they cannot allow for shades of gray. My SIL could not allow for her brother's wife's very specific health concerns. Even when it was personal, they did not give a shit.

It's a religious position ginned up by GOP operatives to move conservative church goers to the polls after the Right lost on school segregation.

[Ilsa]

22. Such horrible circumstances...

Yeah, I can see ultra RWers standing firm in their hypocrisy, but I've also seen people change theiir minds when faced with reality.

[Iggo]

12. I already know why. To terminate a pregnancy.

I don’t need to know anything else.

[Ilsa]

15. Then you wouldn't be the one I'm having a discussion with.

Not everyone thinks as broadly about rights as we do.

[Iggo]

18. LOL...That makes sense.

[hamsterjill]

17. So, just to clarify here...

Since you are such a new member of DU, you fully support a woman’s right to choose, correct?