In the aftermath of the United States Supreme Court hearing oral arguments regarding Mississippi’s abortion law, individuals who already hold deep-rooted abortion opinions have only solidified their pro-life or pro-choice stances. However, the politicization of these concepts has led to a vast misunderstanding of what it means to have certain abortion-related beliefs, specifically, pro-choice beliefs.
Being pro-choice is not the same as promoting abortions. I am pro-choice, and I support the decision to give a baby up for adoption as well as the decision to keep and parent an unplanned child. I also support the decision to terminate one’s pregnancy. I will protest along your side, further your healthcare education, go over all your options with you but you ultimately have the choice to do what you want with your body.
That is what it means to be pro-choice — supporting all healthcare options.
Individuals or groups that are classified as being pro-choice are commonly perceived to advocate for abortions; however, society must stop believing that the pro-choice movement promotes the idealization of abortions. Being pro-choice means that you simply support having healthcare options. Someone can individually choose to not consider abortion after they are impregnated, but the same individual can still believe in supporting other people having choices.
Due to the polarized nature of reproductive healthcare in the US, the majority of people find it difficult to separate their religious beliefs from abortion opinions. There are significant challenges individuals need to overcome to accept the pro-choice position. An individual may personally believe that abortion is bad — and that is okay. People can maintain their political, religious and moral opinions in regard to themselves. However, it is inappropriate when people get involved in someone else’s healthcare decisions.
The pro-choice movement gives people the freedom to make decisions. Being pro-choice allows others to utilize their own religious or logical positions in making a personal judgment. Being pro-choice does not mean that people promote abortion, but it is giving everyone the choice to make their own decisions about healthcare.
Even if you are pro-choice, the choice can be life. The choice can also be adoption or choosing to keep one’s baby and become a parent. Being pro-choice supports the freedom for everyone to make their own decisions about their personal healthcare.
Society has grown to believe that public opinion supersedes an individual’s decision. However, the public should not influence an individual’s healthcare choices. Being pro-choice supports the ability for a woman to make her own decision only with her doctor. A woman should be able to make this choice with her doctor and her doctor only, not with society. Be open to changing your understanding of what it means to be pro-choice because while you may not personally consider getting an abortion, other people should be entitled to make the decision. Advocating for an individual’s right to choose also advocates for their right to make the decision that is best for them.
Support the right to make decisions. Support pro-choice.