As we approach this election season, my thoughts often drift to my children, particularly my daughters, one of whom will soon be eligible to vote in the next presidential election. It’s crucial to ponder how our presidential choices will influence their lives—not only in the immediate future but throughout their journey into adulthood.
This election extends beyond the present moment, this year, or even the next four years. With Congress failing to fulfill its Constitutional responsibility to confirm a new Supreme Court Justice, the next president will undoubtedly be tasked with appointing a replacement for Antonin Scalia. Furthermore, given that several sitting justices are nearing or exceeding their 80s—far beyond the average retirement age—there’s a strong likelihood that the next president will nominate additional justices as well.
These appointments will have a lasting impact on my daughters, and I envision a Supreme Court that expands their opportunities rather than restricts them. While I hold personal convictions regarding abortion, I believe in the importance of choice rather than prohibition. I’ve witnessed the harrowing stories of mothers constrained by restrictive abortion laws, leading to unnecessary suffering for both them and their babies. Research indicates that criminalizing abortion does not reduce its occurrence; rather, it makes the procedure more perilous. To genuinely decrease abortion rates, we must prioritize universal access to affordable contraception—something a conservative Supreme Court is unlikely to support.
Despite my conservative stance on abortion, I recognize that a more liberal Supreme Court can effectively contribute to lowering abortion rates and promoting women’s well-being overall. A Trump presidency could usher in a judiciary that prioritizes ideology over rationality, potentially regressing us at a time when we should be advancing.
My thoughts also turn to my daughters when evaluating the candidates’ family leave policies. I find it baffling that Trump would propose a mere six weeks of paid leave solely for mothers. This approach neglects the needs of fathers and adoptive parents, as well as the crucial support mothers require during the postpartum phase. Such a policy diminishes women’s value in the workforce; companies may hesitate to hire women who will need extended leave for childbirth, while men can often sidestep these concerns due to a lack of comparable benefits.
We are in the 21st century, where women are competitive in the workforce and men are increasingly involved in parenting. Offering paid leave exclusively to mothers feels like a minor advancement overshadowed by a significant setback. Hillary’s proposal of 12 weeks of paid leave for both mothers and fathers would set a valuable precedent, benefitting my daughters as they begin their own families. It’s high time we moved beyond being the last among developed nations in family leave policies and demonstrated our commitment to genuine family values.
Finally, I consider the individual my daughters will look to as the most powerful leader in the world. Do I want them to see a woman with decades of public service experience, who has navigated adversity with grace and possesses a clear, actionable vision for the nation? Or would I prefer them to witness a billionaire businessman with no governing background, who resorts to insults while being unable to handle criticism, and whose policy proposals are steeped in xenophobia?
Before dismissing my perspective with claims like, “But Sarah is corrupt and dishonest!” I encourage you to explore well-researched resources on both Sarah and her opponent, and consider the possibility that your view of her may not be entirely evidence-based.
For me, the decision is straightforward. If we aspire to advance gender equality and women’s rights, we cannot afford a President Trump.
In summary, as we prepare to vote, let’s reflect on the future we want for our daughters. Their lives and opportunities depend on the choices we make today. For those interested in more insights, check out this thoughtful piece on Cervical Insemination and consider reputable options for home insemination kits, like those found at Make a Mom. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, IVF Babble is an excellent resource.
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