Pro-Life Feminism
I know that there are at least a few members of this community who identify as both feminist and pro-life, so I'm hoping this will be an interesting debate.
Now, it has been my understanding that the basic message of pro-life feminism is that if we make gestation, birth, adoption, and parenting as easy to manage as possible, then not only will there be no need for abortion, but there will be practically no demand for abortion. I've often seen the sentiment that women are forced to choose abortion simply due to the difficulties of parenting, or other types of social and economic pressures. That if only it were easier for women to have children, no one would honestly want to have an abortion.
And so much of the focus on ending abortion should be on improving support for women (though comprehensive sex education and access to contraceptives is not specifically endorsed by the Feminists For Life organization). Most of this support revolves around the obstacles of child-rearing. The end goal seems to be making abortion unnecessary... and then making it illegal (as opposed to trying to make it illegal right this instant).
For everyone:
1. First off, is this an accurate representation of pro-life feminism? I'd like to hear both pro-choice and pro-life interpretations of what "pro-life feminism" means and represents.
2. Do you think that the predictions of feminists for life are realistic, or are they naive (or some combination)? How much of a difference will their tactics really make in influencing the number of abortions or the demand for abortions? Is it actually possible for there to be a time when abortion is so unnecessary that criminalizing it will have little effect?
3. Compared to mainstream pro-life groups, do you find the pro-life feminist stance and tactics preferable? Is there more of a possibility for reaching common ground and achieving common goals with pro-life feminists? Should the greater pro-life movement consider changing their approach to one that is similar to Feminists For Life?
Now, it has been my understanding that the basic message of pro-life feminism is that if we make gestation, birth, adoption, and parenting as easy to manage as possible, then not only will there be no need for abortion, but there will be practically no demand for abortion. I've often seen the sentiment that women are forced to choose abortion simply due to the difficulties of parenting, or other types of social and economic pressures. That if only it were easier for women to have children, no one would honestly want to have an abortion.
And so much of the focus on ending abortion should be on improving support for women (though comprehensive sex education and access to contraceptives is not specifically endorsed by the Feminists For Life organization). Most of this support revolves around the obstacles of child-rearing. The end goal seems to be making abortion unnecessary... and then making it illegal (as opposed to trying to make it illegal right this instant).
For everyone:
1. First off, is this an accurate representation of pro-life feminism? I'd like to hear both pro-choice and pro-life interpretations of what "pro-life feminism" means and represents.
2. Do you think that the predictions of feminists for life are realistic, or are they naive (or some combination)? How much of a difference will their tactics really make in influencing the number of abortions or the demand for abortions? Is it actually possible for there to be a time when abortion is so unnecessary that criminalizing it will have little effect?
3. Compared to mainstream pro-life groups, do you find the pro-life feminist stance and tactics preferable? Is there more of a possibility for reaching common ground and achieving common goals with pro-life feminists? Should the greater pro-life movement consider changing their approach to one that is similar to Feminists For Life?