Every woman deserves the autonomy to choose not to dedicate her entire life to another person, or even her body to nurturing a pregnancy. Whether it’s the 35-year-old woman who has decided against having children, the 15-year-old lacking access to contraception, or the 23-year-old who isn’t ready to be tied down, every individual should have the right to say “no” to what happens to their body, regardless of their situation.
This belief has always been a part of me since I first engaged in discussions about reproductive rights. Whenever I expressed my pro-choice stance around those who disagreed, I often heard comments like, “You’ll change your mind once you have a child” or “You’re still young.” As someone who tends to be more reserved, I rarely pushed back against these sentiments.
When my own pregnancy test revealed a positive result, the embryo inside me was no larger than a poppy seed. It wouldn’t be recognized as a “fetus” for another four weeks, yet if I had chosen not to continue with the pregnancy, I would have faced numerous political hurdles. Yes, those cells are alive, but so are the cells on my face, and no one protests when I exfoliate.
Now that I am older and a mother to a cherished child, I can confidently say that my perspective has shifted. I feel more empowered to articulate my reasons for supporting pro-choice policies, and I have gained further insights.
For one, I didn’t instantly fall in love with my baby the moment that second line appeared. My partner, Alex, and I meticulously prepared for parenthood by reading, consulting doctors, and gathering advice from experienced parents. The commonly heard notion that motherhood begins at conception didn’t ring true for me; I loved the idea of having a baby but struggled to connect that to the reality of pregnancy.
Despite the sacrifices of morning sickness and fatigue, my commitment to this pregnancy remained unwavering. However, those sacrifices led me to a sobering thought: I wouldn’t have endured these challenges if we hadn’t desperately wanted a child. My career took a hit, friendships changed, and my overall well-being was tested. I often reassured myself with a list of positives: a planned and healthy baby, a supportive partner, and financial stability. But this exercise reinforced that without those conditions, I might have considered different options if I had found myself in a different situation.
Being pro-choice complicated my understanding of the fragility of early pregnancy. Thrilled to share our news, Alex and I told friends and family when I was just six weeks along, despite the typical advice to wait until the risk of miscarriage had diminished. While most were supportive, some urged caution, reminding us to temper our excitement.
I recognize that I tend to surround myself with individuals who share my pro-choice beliefs, and I became pregnant during a time when reproductive rights were hotly debated. It was eye-opening to realize that some people viewed my pregnancy with skepticism, while others were quick to judge those who might choose abortion.
When I reached eight weeks, I feared I was experiencing a miscarriage. The thought of losing my future child was devastating, yet I found myself wondering who would empathize with my grief and who might dismiss it. As a pro-choice woman who planned for this baby, I understood that I had the right to mourn the loss of my embryo if that moment came. Thankfully, I welcomed a healthy baby seven months later, so I never had to navigate that painful scenario.
Being pro-choice doesn’t equate to being pro-abortion; it means women should have the freedom to decide whether or not to continue a pregnancy without facing judgement. It also means those who choose to embrace motherhood should be able to celebrate or grieve their choices, regardless of the legal timeline.
Now, my son is a thriving five-month-old, and my commitment to pro-choice beliefs remains unwavering. The joy of motherhood doesn’t shift my views on when life begins; I am thankful that I had the freedom to choose the timing of our family expansion, making it a true blessing for Alex, our son, and me.
In conclusion, navigating the complexities of pregnancy has only strengthened my belief in pro-choice rights, underscoring the importance of choice in every woman’s life.
For more insights on reproductive health, check out WebMD, a valuable resource for understanding pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, for those interested in fertility solutions, Make A Mom offers expert advice on improving chances of conception. For privacy policies related to our content, please refer to this link.