Editor,
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, I passed the courtyard outside of Popejoy Hall after finishing an early morning class. To my horror, I was met with the most disturbing and grizzly images I have ever witnessed. I left in tears, with a brochure in hand, hoping that I could simply forget what I saw.
I am a liberal, feminist mother of a 10-and-a-half-month-old daughter, and I wondered what I would tell my daughter about what I saw today.
I am sympathetic to those who have found themselves in a situation in which I found myself about a year and a half ago - discovering I was pregnant and it was indeed unplanned. I was unimaginably scared and anxious about what was happening. I felt irresponsible and alone. Yet I found myself in one of the best circumstances, I was married and 26 years old.
Luckily, I received support and congratulations from my family and friends. What angers me is that many women do not receive such support. They are scared and alone and told that "all of this can be over . after all it is only a fetus, only a bit of genetic matter." These women are not counseled as to how difficult it will be for them emotionally and spiritually not for a few days, weeks or months, but for the rest of their lives.
I believe that being a feminist means that you can expect more from women - let's face it, where our bodies are concerned, we hold a greater responsibility than men. We need to empower other women to respect their bodies - respect themselves enough to make educated and responsible choices before they find themselves in a situation where they are dealing with unplanned pregnancies.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Women must be well-informed as to what is truly living inside of their bodies and what will happen to that living child when an abortion takes place - as, unfortunately those pictures did, propaganda or not.
When an abortion takes place it not only destroys the life of a child, but it further damages women by the guilt they are forced to live with forever.
"Choice" does not liberate women, rather it imprisons them in a downward spiral of sadness that counselors promise will leave after the hormones subside, but the guilt and pain does not leave.
Would I ever again want to pass an exhibit like the one I saw on Wednesday?
No. Those pictures will stay with me forever and if they aid one woman to see that her child is not her choice, they will have served a much-needed purpose.
Jennaya Robison
Teaching assistant and master's degree candidate in music
