I am not pro abortion. I am pro choice.

In 1973, Roe v Wade changed the history of women’s rights forever. A single, pregnant woman (Roe) challenged the constitutionality of the law that criminalized abortion, unless it was done for medical reasons (where the life of the mother is put at risk). The decision of three judges in Texas, in favor of Roe’s petition, made it possible for women to choose to terminate pregnancies, without the consent of a medical doctor.  Controversy hasn’t stopped ever since; many states have done their part in trying to limit this right, but what resulted out of these deliberations was the beginning of an era where women could actually choose whether they wanted to become mothers or not, rather than finding themselves with the obligation to do so.

Forty-three years later, abortion remains a taboo. A debate persists on whether respecting women’s right to choose translates into diminishing an unborn child's life. The issue depends on an individual's view, as science has long-settled on the terms of what life means. In theory, the cells that make conception possible are already alive. All cells are alive, so under this simple, factual definition, cancer is also alive. However, a fetus isoutside the womb until the third trimester of pregnancy, therefore, an abortion within legal terms is not the murder of a child, but rather the hindering of the possible viability of a fetus.
The first thing that hit me about this issue was the fact that we condemn abortion, yet U.S. national laws are pro guns, pro wars, pro death penalty, and pro everything else that by nature goes against preserving human life. Isn't it convenient, the definition of 'respecting human life'? But the double standard goes beyond. We sex-shame women by referring to their unwanted pregnancies as a sign of irresponsibility (as if a woman could get pregnant on her own), yet vote against any efforts to improve sexual education at school or to help teenagers with access to contraceptive methods.

Here are some possible scenarios to consider: What about women who are brutally raped and get pregnant, should we punish them by forcing them to give birth to the child of their rapist?  What about victims of incest? What about the children who are known to have been ill or deformed since before they were born and are condemned to die within days or weeks after birth? Shouldn’t we spare them the pain? What if, simply, you want to give your child the best life possible and you are unable to do so when you get pregnant? Does that make you selfish?
Having a child is the most important decision of your entire life. It is a legacy you leave to the world, a piece of yourself that remains after you are gone. Being a parent is the most important job you will ever have. A child is a sacred trust and that bond that will unite you for life. A child is by far, the most beautiful masterpiece you will ever create. Shouldn’t it have every opportunity in the world to become the best it could possibly be? Shouldn't it be wanted and loved and have two caring parents?

I have concluded that, being pro choice, doesn’t mean I am pro abortion. It simply means understanding how important a child really is. Bringing a life into the world shouldn’t be taken lightly and I believe that nobody is more capable of determining that than the woman carrying the life.

In an ideal world, every child that is brought into the foster system would find a loving home. Also, every women who finds herself unable to raise a child would find enough support to do so. Women would not be raped by strangers or relatives and get pregnant. Babies would not be born with incurable, painful diseases. But the world is not perfect. Sometimes, you have to make hard choices for the right reasons.
If we really want to help the issue, let’s promote a healthy, early sexual education. Let’s make contraceptive care for women a right, rather than a luxury that not everyone can afford. If we really believe in human rights, let’s educate against misogyny, against rape, let’s raise our boys to treat women with respect, to understand that 'no' means 'no,' and that being a parent is also their responsibility. Until we live in an ideal world, until generations change, and begin to think of women as humans rather than incubators, abortion will still be an issue to address.

I am not pro abortion. I am pro choice.