Throughout my adult life, I have identified as pro-choice, yet I can’t deny that I once felt uneasy about abortion. In my earlier years, the thought of someone I knew terminating a pregnancy was quite unsettling for me. I held onto the belief that abortions should be “safe, legal, and rare,” a common sentiment echoed by many feminists who argue it misses the crux of the issue. Although I understood the arguments, my feelings remained unchanged—until I became pregnant.
This pregnancy was intentional and deeply desired. After years of dreaming about motherhood as a gay woman married to another person with a uterus, we took significant steps to make it a reality. During our journey to conception, I wondered if carrying a child would alter my pro-choice stance. I had heard from numerous mothers who became anti-abortion after experiencing pregnancy; perhaps I too would feel an instant love for my child that would reshape my beliefs.
After just two months of trying, I took a digital pregnancy test and, despite my hesitations, the screen displayed the word: pregnant. Just two days later, I was struck with severe morning sickness. While I did feel an immediate bond with the fetus, the experience of pregnancy did not diminish my pro-choice beliefs; instead, it solidified them. I realized that women and others capable of becoming pregnant possess an inherent right to make decisions about their own bodies, and my previous hesitations about reproductive rights vanished.
Understanding the Demands of Pregnancy
Let me elaborate. Even a seemingly uncomplicated pregnancy can be incredibly demanding. My own experience was far from easy; I endured relentless nausea and discomfort that made daily functioning a challenge. Just when I thought I had reached my limit, the situation would worsen. After a particularly intense bout of vomiting, I turned to my partner and exclaimed, “No one should have to experience this unless they truly want to. I don’t care about their reasons!”
In that moment, everything clicked. The debates surrounding when life begins or whether a fetus qualifies as a “baby” became irrelevant. I was consumed by the understanding that pregnancy is an invasive process, stripping individuals of control over their bodies. If we value bodily autonomy and consent, then everyone should have the right to agree (or disagree) to the experience of pregnancy, without any exceptions. It’s a fundamental right that should not be up for debate.
Having endured the challenges of gestation, I was horrified by the implications of anti-choice rhetoric. A wanted pregnancy is already a monumental task; how devastating must it be to endure an unwanted one? Simply put: Pregnancy is demanding work, and it is not something everyone is—or should be—prepared for. I navigated my pregnancy as best I could, but the difficulties were beyond description. Each morning, I hoped for a day free from discomfort, yet the reality remained unchanged.
The sole motivation that kept me going was the anticipation of meeting my child. To imagine facing the trials of pregnancy without a desire for what was growing inside you is a cruelty I cannot fathom. Today, I find immense joy in my beautiful baby and cherish every moment of watching him grow. I am grateful for the journey that brought him into my life.
Embracing My Pro-Choice Stance
As a result of my experiences, I now embrace a pro-choice stance without any qualifiers regarding the rarity of abortion. If you find yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy and feel the need to terminate it for any reason, I am firmly on your side. I regret that it took me so long to come to this realization.
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Summary
My personal journey through pregnancy has transformed my views on reproductive rights, reinforcing my pro-choice beliefs. The challenges I faced during this time highlighted the importance of bodily autonomy and the right to choose. Every individual should have the right to decide about their pregnancy without judgment or restriction.
Keyphrase: Pro-choice beliefs
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