Awesome!
I never did report back about the reproductive rights lecture. Unfortunately turnout was really low but I think that it was really good. We got to have a small group discussion about what it means to be a mother, instead of just debating abortion like usual. I chatted with Judith Arcana and she's the first pro-abortion person I have ever met who said that she knows (not believe) that abortion is killing (not murder). According to Judith, life begins before conception. The egg is alive and so is the sperm. She has a very non-linear slightly new age conception of life.
I have never had a philosophy about life or abortion. For me, it is just plain necessary. I usually stay on the fence when pressed about my beliefs and at this small group discussion I actually had a safe space in which to honestly put my scattered thoughts forward. I just wish that the debate surrounding abortion wasn't so steeped in moralizing arguments about life. The truth is that it is the responsibility of the mother to make the best choice for herself and that potential child. I have always said that being alive isn't necessarily good. There are no guarantees that the adoptive parents will give the child a good life there are no guarantees period. If you don't want a child then you shouldn't have one.
We also discussed that the bigger issue with abortion is sexuality not reproduction and while I've always known that I've never really thought about what that means. it's like I knew that sexuality was part of the abortion issue but never realized how important sexuality is to the debate.
I find it ironic that I have two degrees in women's studies but I don't always get it as much as I think I do. Anyway, Judith Arcana rocks! I actually had met her before, she's always at In Other Words events. I've even chatted with her before but I'm very infamous for having long conversations with people and never asking their names. I never think the names are important if I'm enjoying the company.
Anyway that's it for me. I'm currently doing the research for the international women's day celebration and women's leadership in the civil rights movement.
I have never had a philosophy about life or abortion. For me, it is just plain necessary. I usually stay on the fence when pressed about my beliefs and at this small group discussion I actually had a safe space in which to honestly put my scattered thoughts forward. I just wish that the debate surrounding abortion wasn't so steeped in moralizing arguments about life. The truth is that it is the responsibility of the mother to make the best choice for herself and that potential child. I have always said that being alive isn't necessarily good. There are no guarantees that the adoptive parents will give the child a good life there are no guarantees period. If you don't want a child then you shouldn't have one.
We also discussed that the bigger issue with abortion is sexuality not reproduction and while I've always known that I've never really thought about what that means. it's like I knew that sexuality was part of the abortion issue but never realized how important sexuality is to the debate.
I find it ironic that I have two degrees in women's studies but I don't always get it as much as I think I do. Anyway, Judith Arcana rocks! I actually had met her before, she's always at In Other Words events. I've even chatted with her before but I'm very infamous for having long conversations with people and never asking their names. I never think the names are important if I'm enjoying the company.
Anyway that's it for me. I'm currently doing the research for the international women's day celebration and women's leadership in the civil rights movement.