Today is the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and also Blog for Choice Day. The organizers of the blogging event have asked us to explain why we believe it’s important to vote pro-choice. I tackle this topic with the acknowledgment that some readers may not, in fact, be pro-choice—though I think it’s safe to assume most are. Happy to entertain discussion in the comments, but please keep it civil.
Reproductive rights were an early political passion of mine, when I was a budding feminist but before I came out and became involved with LGBT rights. Coming out, far from reducing my concern with matters of male-female reproduction, only increased it. Being a lesbian is no guarantee against rape, or, more positively, the occasional consensual fling with a man. Even if lesbians were immune from such worries, however, I would be pro-choice because I think it boils down exactly that—choice.
No, sexual orientation is not a choice. We do choose, however, whether to live openly and honestly about our orientations. It’s a very fine line between limiting people’s choices about what they can do with their bodies reproductively and what they can do with them sexually. I can’t support choice in one without the other.
It bothers me immensely that President Bush declared last Friday National Sanctity of Human Life Day, a clear attempt to bring a particular religious viewpoint into the political sphere. Not to mention the blatant disregard for human life caused by his little adventure in Iraq. Not to mention his stated commitment “to encourage adoption . . . and work for the day when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law.” When his brother Jeb was governor of Florida, why didn’t George W. urge him to encourage adoption by same-sex couples? Why does he support the Defense of Marriage Act that limits federal protections for children of same-sex parents? Why does he support the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that limits the protections for children of LGBT servicemembers?
There’s something wrong with an administration that wants to say I must carry a fetus to term if I conceive, but will not give me permission or wherewithal to raise that child in a legal relationship with the person I want, whom I know will be a responsible, loving parent.
That’s why I vote pro-choice. Choice to love honestly; choice to bear willingly.