I had an abortion once. Was it something that I wanted? Not especially. But here's what I wanted even less: to be pregnant, to endure a pregnancy, to give birth, to have a child I did not want, to feel the unbearable heartache (for a second time in my life) if we were separated, to have my life forever tied to the man who impregnated me, to be forced to allow him (and whoever he lets into his life) co-parent my child, or to have the rest of my life tied to that one mistake. There were other reasons too, but they are, believe it or not, even more personal and private, yet I don't have to submit ANY of my reasons to anyone else for approval. It was my prerogative. It was the best decision for me, and that's all there is to it.
Women's lives matter. Our bodies belong to our selves. If you're against abortion, don't have one. Your body is your business, and my body is mine. Our bodies are our only true possession in life. No law can change that. Before we are citizens, we are human beings, and we live by our personal rules and choices before we live by those of the society we happen to be in. Congress cannot legislate my rules about my self. That's not a thing. They can make all the social policy and regulations and restrictions they like, but their laws do not apply between me and my body.
The desperation a woman can feel around not wanting a pregnancy should not be underestimated. For some women, it is an existential threat and legally restricting what we can or cannot do for ourselves is a mere inconvenience compared to the consequences of a pregnancy. If we must choose between getting around legislative hurdles or accepting a fate that horrifies us, most of us will attempt the former. It must be clear that, as a personal policy, we manage ourselves.
The utter indignity of someone, anyone else, legislating - basically giving unasked for advice about - what I can and cannot do with my body is something I never have and never will accept. Yet, apparently, we will have to continue to fight to protect ourselves from invasive, burdensome, and violating legislation.
