Today marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court protecting a woman's right to choose when it comes to abortion. (For those still caught up in the politics of the debate over the issue, you should actually read the case, its background, and the decision published by the Court, for clarification. On Constitutional grounds, there is really no arguing against the position offered, 7-2 by the justices, based on their understanding of right to privacy, etc.).
Anyhoo - over most of my lifetime, the conflict between Pro-choice and Anti-choice (which I prefer to the term "Pro-life", as most "pro-lifers" regarding abortion are also ignorant fascists very much in support of capital punishment) has been raging as one of the most significant political items of our generation.
Unfortunately, the massive amount of attention, funding and time given to the abortion debate has been allowed to derail the broader set of ideas related to women's health care, health care access, and the fundamental right of all American's to be afforded the best in medical services no matter what (hey, I'm just a loud-mouthed progressive)....
Don't get me wrong - I understand that the decision to have an abortion is powerful, difficult and pushes a woman (or couple ) to question many things about their understanding of life and family. I also know that this choice is (and MUST remain) very personal - sacred and unique to the individual and situation involved.
Though there can be no perfect, singular response regarding abortion - we must continue to promote, protect and safeguard the right to choose - no matter what that choice might be.
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