"Abortion is an economic issue. And a labor issue.
"Abortion is an economic issue. And a labor issue. And a human rights issue. My whole life I've been told by men on the left that women's rights are very important, just not as important as something else, anything else, whatever the hell else they bring up, and women's rights should therefore go to the back of the line and not take up too much space and only speak when spoken to Not all men, of course, but too many.I have not heard anyone at all say that abortion should be the only issue, heard no reports of any politician campaigning as though it's the only issue, or of any political advisors asserting that politicians should make it the only issue, so the claim that this is a problem seems like a pretext for declaring it's taking up too much room. It's a winning issue for Democrats, and voter registration by young women furious as hell at the loss of rights may be the pivot on which many races turn, and abortion is on the ballot in five states, including Vermont.
Reproductive rights are a crucial pro-worker issue, since pregnancy can interfere with the ability t work and/or lead to being fired, being criminalized/imprisoned for a miscarriage or an abortion or osuspicion of same can also interfere with work pretty profoundly, and the people to whom that's happening are mostly working class BIPOC women. Giving birth to and raising a child can be the most expensive thing you will ever do, and is unaffordable to many, and shatters many people's working lives and career trajectories (and yes, working-class women have career trajectories too). Fear of pregnancy in the absence of the ability to terminate an unwanted pregnancy may limit women's choices in many ways, about where to live, what jobs to take, to leave an abuser, may intensify fear of rape, and therefore limit other freedoms, and all this is also a labor issue."
www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10160075406485552&set=a.211581100551
This was sent to me by a friend and it is a must read.
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As a newly wed, late 70's. I went to a job interview. One of the questions I was asked by the female CEO was if I planned to get pregnant anytime soon. I was shocked and answered no, which was the truth. Had I yes, I doubt I would not have gotten the job.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I, for one, shall endeavor to measure up better to the proper standards moving forward.
As an aside, pretty sure I remember being pissed about this missive's straw-man-based premises a long time ago.
I am just so profoundly tired. Thank you for your OP and for your defense of it. There are no straw men here. It is all real.
My mother’s obstetrical history was complicated and dangerous and punctuated by miscarriages. She almost bled out in the operating room when my brother and I were toddlers. Had an out of body experience, the whole bit. And you and I know that the clean-out of her uterus was then called a D&C — and in 2022 is defined as an abortion.
I weep for the women and little girls of 2022 who do not even have the mercy of a doctor in 1950.
I would have thrown up.
Oh look, an OLD WHITE MAN the Whitest State ever.
Here is to Don Blodoc.
It amazes me to see people suggest Democrats focus too much (or only) on "identity issues" and not enough on economic issues. As if working/middle class people aren't economically affected by unwanted pregnancies. Babies aren't puppies, can't leave it at home with some kibble while you go to work all day. Moronic! But reality gets in the way of romantic fantasies of a pure economic class revolution/movement or whatever, and endlessly complaining that Democrats ignore working families.
Forced pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies will drag the most vulnerable down. You said it, it is not a bowl of kibble. It is a nanny or your grandmother that has to sit while you work to put food on the table.
We have the right over our own bodies. JESUS! WE AREN"T HANDMAIDENS!
Our Bodies Ourselves
Boston
INTRODUCTION
We are delighted to present Our Bodies, Ourselves--an in-depth look at women's sexuality and reproductive health, from the first gynecological exam to sexual health in our later years.
Since its first newsprint edition published in the early 1970s, Our Bodies, Ourselves (OBOS) has enabled women to learn about their bodies, gain insight from the experiences of other women, and consider how best to achieve political and cultural changes that would improve women's lives. This completely revised and updated ninth edition, released on OBOS's fortieth anniversary, covers topics ranging from sexual anatomy, body image, and gender identity to pregnancy and birth, perimenopause/menopause, and navigating the health-care system.
This edition reflects the perspective and voices of a wide range of women, and their stories are told through new formats. At our invitation, more than three dozen women of all ages and identities participated in a monthlong online conversation about sexuality and relationships; we found their honesty and forthrightness so compelling that the conversation itself became the foundation of a new "Relationships" chapter.
snip
This edition focuses on the core health issues--reproductive health and sexuality--that first brought the Boston Women's Health Book Collective together. Some topics added over the years--such as nutrition, emotional health, and medical conditions that disproportionately or differently affect women--have been omitted this time, in part because information is now more readily available elsewhere. This has given us room to expand on issues such as reproductive rights, violence against women, and environmental health, which not only are centrally related to women's sexual health and well-being but also are areas where, despite decades of advocacy and activism, women still face enormous challenges and obstacles that prevent them from leading safe and healthy lives.
snip
Ever since Our Bodies, Ourselves became a best seller in the United States, it has inspired women in other countries to adapt it--in part or as a whole--to their unique cultural needs. Through the our Bodies ourselves Global Initiative, we support more than twenty-two women's organizations as they develop materials based on Our Bodies, Ourselves and use their resources in wide-scale outreach to advance the health and human rights of women and girls in their countries. Although the earliest projects were located primarily in Europe, we have since collaborated with organizations across Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe to bring culturally meaningful and reliable information to communities where it is most needed. As a result of our partnerships, resources based on the book are now available in more than twenty-five languages and in print, digital, and other socially interactive formats. You will read about our partners in the "In Translation" sidebars and we invite you to
visit: ourbodiesourselves.org/programs/network to learn more.
I bought their first book in the 70s.
Back at you.
Not sure I told you this, we may be electing our first female Governor! I can't wait to vote. 