This week we entered a timeless controversial topic: reproductive rights/justice. This week we watched one short video called, “Hobby Lobby on Last Week Tonight” and a documentary called, “The Abortion Divide.” The documentary started off explaining the abortion clinic that is shown in the documentary is located in Philadelphia, where it is said the state is divided on reproductive rights/justice. With two sides explaining their beliefs. The pro-life and pro-choice say their sides, throughout the documentary, there were heavy discussions. The first people we hear from are the doctors from the abortion clinic. One doctor explains the women who come to the clinic saying, “women who are young, women who are old, women of all races, women of all religions, women’s first pregnancy, women who have many children already… .” What this clearly shows the audience is that ANY woman can get an abortion and ANY woman does get an abortion(s). I think it also stops the stereotypes that can be heard when abortion is spoken about. For example, I have heard the stereotype that only black women get abortions; which is completely false. Another doctor explains the relationship they have with the patients, they are respectful, welcoming, and comforting. The feel I got is these doctors care for the well-being of their patients. 

The documentary continues by telling the stories of women who are getting abortions. These women are brave by agreeing to tell their stories. Many people judge without knowing the circumstances. I think it was very personal and moving hearing these women’s stories. They look genuinely afraid and nervous. One woman named Shaharra came into the clinic to get an abortion. She has four children and could not finically be capable of another baby. This is understandable, babies are not cheap. Another woman Christine shows the emotions women go through in the process of making a decision. It was very emotional, she was receiving an ultrasound and was told she is expecting twins. Immediately hearing that Christine started to cry, and I got emotional seeing this. She is clearly is conflicted and scared. I think it’s very important that the document shows this part. Another stereotype I’ve heard is people assume that women who get abortions are called “heartless” or “soulless.” After hearing that she is expecting twins I believe she felt like the decision was even harder. Her partner is with her named Micah also says this decision is hard. The doctor and nurse were completely understanding and reassured her to take as much time to decide and they are there for her. In the end, both women decided to go through with the abortion. In my classmates’ snapshot,  Mitch Tsao shows a photo of women protesting for reproductive rights. I love that in the photo there are women of all types of representation, there are young women, older women, different nationalities. We come together to fight for our rights. I also love the photo shows pure emotion, pure frustration, and pure anger. I understand how frosting and angry I get that as a woman I have to fight for my body rights. It blows my mind. This image connects to the documentary because we’ve seen the struggles that women go through in this difficult process. The image shows women should protect each other, protesting our rights can be a way. The document ends by saying only these women can decide what is best for them, I one hundred percent agree!

The document was also upsetting however because of the people who stand outside the abortion clinic and harass women. I was frustrated seeing old white men are trying to guilt-trip women to change their minds. They call out saying “Your baby has a heartbeat”, “don’t do this”, “there are other options.” What frustrates me is that, why do these men think the doctors in the clinic do not provide that information to the women? Doctors are professionals and give all the information possible to their patients. These women don’t want to hear it from these creepy old men. Sadly, there has to be escorted to help the women safely go into the clinic. The one-man that stays out of the clinic is Dr. Isajiw tries to even persuade the men partners to persuade the women to change their minds. That’s disgusting and so immoral. I agree partners should have a say in the situation because their feelings should be validated. However, in the end, it’s the women’s decision and no woman should have their partner “change their mind.” I was also infuriated at the other clinic “Amnion” in the documentary that provides free services for pregnant women. I did not like the way the clinic was running. When pregnant women would get ultrasounds, this clinic has a huge flatscreen that shows the ultrasound to the patient. I felt like this was honestly propaganda. This clinic is trying to get women to see this is real, this is a baby, they have a heartbeat, you cant have an abortion, they are trying to get the mothers to make that emotional connection that might stop them from getting an abortion. I think it’s just wrong and not professional at all. Their job is to provide health services to women that’s it. Their religious beliefs should not be mixed with health resources because they created biases. It is very frustrating and sad that places like this exist and this is still a debate. It’s nobody’s choice except the woman who is pregnant. 

In the short video “Hobby Lobby on Last Week Tonight,” the host John Oliver makes jokes about the Supreme Court ruling hinging on the religious rights of Hobby Lobby and the ways corporations can be more like people. He jokes around saying corporations pick and choose their religion but also want to choose which laws they want to follow. I think John Oliver was very funny but makes valid points through jokes. He wants to address this as an issue.