I celebrated my 18th birthday the day after Roe v. Wade was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, affirming that access to safe and legal abortion is a constitutional right. By then, I already knew people who had become pregnant in high school.
Before the courts made that historical decision, I knew the “secret” term for an abortion, since some would have “woman’s problems” and need to have a D&C. While that’s a medical procedure many women need, then it was also a code word meaning a woman had been pregnant and needed to have that "problem" fixed. And they were lucky, they had the family support and the finances to find a doctor who could help.
Many before Roe v. Wade were not so lucky. It was the time of self-done abortions with knitting needles and hangers. It was the time of back alley abortions, as seen in the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Most seem to forget that an illegal abortion has a major role in the movie. Then there was the wonderful book and film “Cider House Rules,” which gives a portrayal of a doctor who performs illegal abortions during World War II at a Maine orphanage.
Abortion is a medical procedure that has no place in the hands of legislators trying to make a political statement. Abortion is NOT political. It is a private matter for a woman with the input of her doctor, perhaps her clergy and in some cases her significant other. Not all religions see abortion the same way. If it is not accepted in your religion, do not have one. But do not tell others what to do.
For a long time, I was frustrated living in Kansas. But suddenly, Kansas is back! We have a Supreme Court who understands and has ruled that the state constitution gives women the right to have an abortion. Whereas our neighbors across the state line now live in a state that wants to ban and punish doctors for performing a medical procedure and deny woman the rights of control over their own medical needs. I find that beyond disturbing. These legislators are using abortion for political gain, not thinking about the rights of woman. We have HIPPA laws to protect a person’s privacy in all aspects of medicine. Isn’t this going against HIPPA? I think so.
In the Jewish tradition, fetuses do not have souls until they are born. Also, the life of the mother always is deemed more important than the life of a fetus. So for me, as a Jewish woman, I have no problems with abortion in the first 24 weeks. Many fetuses are still not viable outside the womb at this point.
Like many who are pro-choice, I am not pro-abortion. I am pro birth control. I am pro excellent women’s health. I am pro-life for all children once they enter this world, meaning I support health care; supplemental food, housing and clothing; and the opportunity to get an education. I am not for being pro-birth and then doing nothing to support the child, as I see happening now.
With these beliefs, I went to the Pro-Choice Rally on May 19 at J.C. Nichols Fountain on the Plaza with a good friend to show my support and my belief that all women should have the best health care possible. That includes the right to have an abortion when needed.
Ellen Portnoy, a professional fundraiser and active volunteer, is passionate about women’s rights.
