The discussion of abortion seems to be a tricky discussion. There will be individuals who don’t believe in abortions, while others believe that abortions are needed as an option for women to be performed safely. I remember when I was younger, I learned that in older times, women in Mexico would have to use strong teas and herbs in order to have an abortion. Abortions were looked down on and were not accepted. However, now that I’m older I know there are safer ways to have abortions and that they should not be looked down on. It shouldn’t be something a woman should be shamed on. In the documentary, “The Abortion Divide”, it discusses both sides on the topic of abortion. It shows women who decide to continue with their pregnancies and others who decide to have an abortion.
In the documentary it showed how there would be primarily older white men, who would stand outside abortion clinics to try and persuade these women they are making the wrong choice. In the documentary it says how women would freeze and be flustered as to what to do next. I honestly find this horrific. I understand if women don’t want to have an abortion themselves. However, this does not signify you could shame a woman for getting one or shaming them to the point they don’t get one. I think that the one thing that shocked me the most was the clinic that answered, “we don’t do abortions, but we are glad you called”. That felt so wrong for me. I understand they are trying to support these women and are giving them various options before taking the decision to have an abortion. I saw in the documentary how hard it was for those women to get the abortions, because they know it is not fair for them or for the baby if they had decided to continue the pregnancy, if they are financially, emotionally, or mentally unstable. However, I feel like the way they are promoting their clinic is wrong. Another thing is that they don’t offer contraception. If they are against abortions, in my opinion, the least you can do is promote safe sex.
One thing about the documentary I thought was moving was when the women living in Mother’s Home in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was that the women who had no support on where to live, and who decided to keep their kid, were actually being helped. A lot of times there will be individuals who say they are pro-life, yet they don’t make a change in order to help, they’ll only shame against abortions, but will not help women who need help, or will help children in need. So, I liked that there is a support system for women who decided to keep the baby. I think that Snapshot of Shavoya Easy is a good image as to how I feel about the topic on abortion. It is a women’s choice whether or not they want an abortion. Pro-choice is there to give women a choice, to allow women to support other women for whatever they choose to do with their own bodies.
