Every woman deserves the autonomy to choose whether or not to devote her life—and her body—to another being. Consider the 35-year-old woman who has chosen not to have children, the 15-year-old lacking access to contraception, or the 23-year-old who wants to avoid being tethered to a casual relationship. Each of these women should have the right to say “no” to what happens within their bodies, irrespective of their unique circumstances.
This belief has been integral to my philosophy since I first engaged with the topic. In conversations with those who held opposing views, I often heard comments like, “You’ll change your mind when you have kids,” or “You’re too young to understand.” Typically, my reserved nature prevented me from passionately defending my pro-choice stance or advocating for women’s rights.
When my own pregnancy test revealed a positive result, the embryo was no more significant than a poppy seed. It wouldn’t be classified as a “fetus” for another four weeks. Yet, if I had chosen not to continue the pregnancy, I would have faced a myriad of political agendas that complicated my decision. Yes, those cells are alive. But then again, so are the cells on my skin—yet I don’t face judgment for exfoliating.
Now, as a mother to a cherished child who was both wanted and planned, I can confidently assert that my perspective has evolved. I feel justified in expressing my pro-choice beliefs more vocally, and I have gained additional insights.
Initially, I didn’t experience an overwhelming love for my baby the moment that second line appeared on the pregnancy test. My husband, Alex, and I had thoroughly researched before trying to conceive; we read numerous books, consulted with doctors, and listened to experienced parents. The common saying—that motherhood begins the moment you find out you’re pregnant—didn’t resonate with my experience.
While I adored the concept of starting a family, I struggled to forge a tangible connection with the pregnancy itself. Instead, I encountered nausea and fatigue—sacrifices that I willingly accepted to eventually meet our new family member. These challenges led me to a rather stark realization: I wouldn’t have endured the hardships of pregnancy if we hadn’t desperately wanted this child.
My career, friendships, health, finances, and overall happiness all took a hit during this time. To cope, I created a mental list of the positives: my baby was planned, my husband was supportive, I faced no severe complications, and we were financially stable. However, this exercise illuminated a critical point: without that list of advantages, I might have chosen differently.
As a pro-choice advocate, I grappled with the delicate reality of pregnancy—especially during the early weeks. Eager to share our joy, Alex and I announced our pregnancy at just six weeks. While many friends and family celebrated with us, some urged caution, reminding us to temper our excitement until the risk of miscarriage diminished around the twelve-week mark.
I recognize that I likely surround myself with individuals who share my pro-choice views. Additionally, I became pregnant during a time when discussions around Planned Parenthood and the definition of humanity were particularly charged. It was eye-opening to realize that half the population might condemn me for considering abortion, while others urged me to downplay my joy until the pregnancy was deemed secure.
When I reached eight weeks, I feared I was experiencing a miscarriage. As I cried for the potential loss of my future family, I wondered who would validate my grief and who would dismiss it as a mere occurrence. As a pro-choice woman expecting a child, I understood that I was entitled to mourn the loss of my embryo if that occurred. Yet, I also recognized that another woman might perceive those same cells as an unwanted medical condition. Thankfully, I delivered a healthy baby seven months later, so this contemplation remained hypothetical.
Being pro-choice does not equate to being pro-abortion. It signifies that women should have the right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy without facing harassment or judgment for their choices. Furthermore, women who choose to have children should be able to celebrate their decision or mourn their loss, regardless of legal or medical circumstances.
Now that my son is a thriving five-month-old, my commitment to pro-choice beliefs remains unwavering. His laughter and my identity as a mother do not lead me to reconsider the notion of personhood at the moment of implantation. I feel fortunate to have chosen the right time to expand our family, creating a joyous experience for myself, Alex, and our son.
For those interested in learning more about reproductive choices, resources such as ACOG are invaluable. If you’re looking into options for conception, consider checking out this article about at-home insemination kits, which can provide helpful insights.
Summary
This article reflects on how a personal pregnancy experience reinforced the author’s pro-choice beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of women’s autonomy in making decisions about their bodies and pregnancies, while also acknowledging the emotional complexities of pregnancy. The author highlights that being pro-choice is about having options and support, regardless of one’s personal choices.
Keyphrase: Pro-Choice Perspectives on Pregnancy
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]