My Side: Pro-Choice or Pro-Life

On such a controversial issue, that usually encompasses two opinions, mine is a bit more complicated than the typical "yes" or "no." If I were forced to identify as either pro-choice or pro-life, I would have to choose pro-choice, but don't let that deter you from reading this because you stand on the opposite side, or don't start pumping your fist in camaraderie because you think that you agree with me either; it is much more complicated than you think.

Now, here is what I mean by complicated: I personally, would never have an abortion. My parents were 17 and 19 when I was born. My father didn't even think that I was his until he had me DNA tested when I was 2 years old, but he raised me. My mother wasn't ready but she raised me. My mother worked her ass off as a mom by day and bartender or waitress by night. My dad worked his ass off at three different jobs and a dad at all hours of the night, often not even sleeping before he had to be to work again. I could never justify myself having an abortion after all that my parents have done for me. I don't even know if I could justify myself participating in giving a child up for adoption. Hopefully, I never have to make that choice. Now, even though I would never have an abortion, doesn't mean that I am pro-life.

If my best friend were to call me saying that she was pregnant and needed to get an abortion, I would inform her of her other options first of all. I would. I would want to know that she knew that she had other choices. If she were to ultimately choose to have an abortion, I would take her. I would sit in the waiting room. I would go home with her and watch all the rom-coms with terrible acting and cinematography and eat lots of ice-cream afterward. I would make sure that she knew that I was there for her no matter what.

Also, if someone has a medical situation that is either going to cause the pregnancy to kill them or the fetus anyway, then yes, I would want them to have that choice. I would want them to feel that they didn't have to spend their entire pregnancy fearing for their lives or waiting for their fetus to ultimately die, be stillborn, or live a horrendous and painful life. I would support them also.

Now, onto the real controversy... Planned Parenthood.

For me, this is the most important part. Planned Parenthood provides abortions. Planned Parenthood obtains federal funding. That federal funding is not used on abortions! If you don't believe me, there is a ton of evidence to show you that I am right on this. Also, Planned Parenthood does so much more than provide abortions. Abortions are only 1% of their services. Planned Parenthood provides vital health services for both men and women. They provide STD testing, pap smears, mammograms, and so much more as little to no cost! They give birth control and condoms to those who can't afford it because they don't have insurance that covers it, in order for them to prevent pregnancy so that they don't have to have an abortion. BECAUSE NO ONE WAKES UP ONE DAY AND SAYS "LET'S GET PREGNANT SO THAT I CAN HAVE AN ABORTION, JUST TO SEE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE!!!!" But, people do wake up and say "I better go get some condoms" or "I better remember to take my birth control."

Now, if you are pro-life, that is absolutely your choice, but don't make people who are pro-choice feel like bad people, and vice versa. Also, if you are pro-life, support Planned Parenthood because they do 99% more than just abortions. They save lives! And one day, they may save yours!