For as long as I can remember, I have identified as pro-choice. However, I must admit that I once found the concept of abortion quite unsettling. In my younger years, the mere thought of someone I knew choosing to terminate a pregnancy made me uncomfortable. I subscribed to the common belief that abortions should be “safe, legal, and rare.” While I recognized the counterarguments, my own feelings remained unchanged—until I became pregnant.
This pregnancy was intentional and deeply desired. After years of longing, my partner and I, both women, took the necessary steps to bring our dream to life. As we embarked on this journey, I found myself pondering whether my experience would alter my pro-choice stance. Would carrying a child shake my beliefs? I had heard stories from mothers who became anti-abortion after having children, and I feared I might follow suit.
After two months of trying, I took a digital pregnancy test and, to my surprise, saw the word “pregnant” flash on the screen. Just two days later, I was hit with debilitating morning sickness.
I did feel an immediate love for the growing fetus within me. However, rather than diminishing my pro-choice beliefs, the experience of pregnancy reinforced them. My previous uncertainty about reproductive rights vanished, and I became more passionately pro-choice than ever.
My Transformation
Let me explain my transformation. Even a so-called “easy” pregnancy can be incredibly taxing. Mine was anything but easy; it was a nightmare in many ways. I was so nauseous that I could barely function. Just when I thought I had reached my limit, things would worsen.
While I cherished the fact that I was pregnant, I did not enjoy the experience itself. Pregnancy commandeers your body, leaving you feeling utterly powerless. One day, after a particularly violent episode of vomiting, I turned to my partner and exclaimed, “No one should have to endure this unless they truly want to! I don’t care about their reasons!” At that moment, something clicked. I became indifferent to the debates surrounding when life begins or whether a fetus qualifies as a “baby.” What truly struck me was how invasive pregnancy can be.
If we genuinely believe in bodily autonomy, then individuals must have the right to consent—or not—to the process of gestation. This belief shouldn’t require justification. Forcing someone to remain pregnant against their will is inherently wrong.
Reflections on Anti-Choice Rhetoric
After experiencing the challenges of pregnancy, I cannot help but feel horrified by anti-choice rhetoric. A wanted pregnancy is already daunting; I can hardly fathom the torment of carrying an unwanted child. Pregnancy is hard work, and it’s not something everyone is—or should be—prepared for. I endured a challenging pregnancy, and each day brought the same struggle. The only thing that kept me hopeful was the knowledge that I would soon be a mother to a healthy child. Facing that reality while grappling with an unwanted pregnancy? That’s a cruelty I struggle to comprehend.
Embracing My Pro-Choice Beliefs
Now, I have a beautiful baby who brings me joy every day. Watching him grow and learn is more fulfilling than I ever anticipated, and I’m grateful for the steps I took to welcome him into my life. I now embrace my pro-choice beliefs without any reservations about how rare I think abortions should be. If you find yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy and need to terminate it for any reason, I stand with you. I regret that it took me so long to arrive at this understanding.
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Conclusion
In summary, my pregnancy has not only solidified my pro-choice beliefs but has also deepened my understanding of the challenges that accompany it. I now advocate for everyone’s right to make choices about their own bodies, free from judgment or limitations.
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