I’ve seen my share of arguments in support of Planned Parenthood, abortion and contraception.
But there is one that gets to me every time.
See, I’m one for playing fair when I’m in a debate. I’ll listen to the other side respectfully, look into their sources, and then find the sources that refute what they’ve presented me and wait for them to give me a source/information to answer back in a satisfactory way. I do NOT call names and don’t tolerate demeaning the other person. So maybe I’ve not been vocal enough in letting the other side know that, when they say this phrase, or anything along the same lines, I am offended and would like them to think through the thought…
“I stand for the rights of women and their health care.”
Whenever that phrase or anything along those lines is said directly to me, I have to believe the person is just not thinking in that moment. I AM a woman. And very much concerned for women’s health care. And so, by saying what they just said, they are not only saying I’m somehow not concerned about other women, but also they are implying I am less of a woman for not supporting contraception/abortion.
Um. False.
I am very much a woman. And just because I choose not to be chained to the thought that Planned Parenthood is the only source of affordable family planning/health care, does not mean I am attempting to sweep away the rights of women and force them into uncomfortable situations. I mean, for Pete’s sakes, I’m a WOMAN! I care about the fate of womanhood, obviously.
Maybe it’s not just their fault for thinking that we, as pro-lifers, are just dead set on taking away a “right” from women considering contraception/abortion. We haven’t been talking in positives. Well, allow me to go on a give-the-women-the-power tirade…
1. Pope Paul VI Institute. Has been doing scientific research, educational programs, and offering professional, caring, moral patient care for 30 years. They educate on NaPro Technology, utilize NFP, and foster an environment where women can learn about their bodies (woah, who’d’ve thunk to do that…) and where couples can communicate. Instead of pumping your body full of chemicals and covering the symptoms, they get to the root of the issue and address illnesses and infertility. Bam.
2. Pro-Life Outreaches. I do believe we need to follow up with women and their children if we’re really supposed to encourage them to go to term and deliver their children. It just doesn’t get talked up enough. THIS is what should be all over Facebook!! Food pantries, pregnancy crisis centers, community outreach programs…we are pro-women AND pro-baby!
3. Chastity and Abstinence. Yes, I am a woman. Yes, I choose to save sex for marriage. Yes, I am proud of it! My sexuality is a great and beautiful part of my femininity, and I choose to use this great gift wisely and morally. Women need to take back responsibility of the gift they’ve been given. Women need to stop criminalizing men. How about THAT for empowering women??? (I haven’t forgotten about you, men…you have a great gift given to you as well to invest in wisely. Forgive me, this portion of my rant was directed just toward women. While my attention is turned toward you, though, please remember that you have a great gift in your masculinity, and to whom much is given, much is expected. Never compromise a woman’s dignity. Hold your brothers-in-Christ accountable. Be in control of yourself.)
*Fun fact: While browsing the Exposing Planned Parenthood Q&A page, I came across this information. Not that we should settle for this, but it's a good point against those who maintain that Planned Parenthood is the only place for women to turn to...
A: Planned Parenthood would love you to believe they are the only place to access free or low cost healthcare, but that is absolutely false. Nearly 7,000 Federally Qualified Health Centers in the U.S. provide comprehensive health care for men, women and children, instead of the narrow spectrum of care offered by Planned Parenthood.
FQHCs are able to provide annual exams, STD testing, all birth control methods and everything else Planned Parenthood provides – except abortion. They also provide many services Planned Parenthood does not offer including vaccinations, x-rays, vision, dental, prenatal care and primary care to all members of the family.*
BAM. I love you. Exactly my thoughts, but you say it oh so brilliantly. Keep up the good work!!
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