Here are some things (other than posting pro-life memes on social media) that you can do to help support new mothers. Let’s start off with the quick reminder that the number 1 reason women list as why they are choosing to abort a pregnancy is NOT “I don’t believe in the sanctity of life.” It’s actually about money. It’s about not having the resources or support to support a(nother) baby. If you want fewer abortions happening, we have to address the systemic issues that contribute to abortion. In my opinion, it comes down to supporting women and mothers. So please keep preaching about the importance of life. But UNLESS you are willing to do any or all of the following, just shut up and sit down:
- Offer to adopt the pregnant mother's baby (if willing to do this, you must agree to the following as well):
- Pay for all of the mother and baby's medical bills
- Drive her to all her prenatal appointments
- Pick up her prescriptions
- Help her obtain public assistance in the form of WIC and food stamps (or more if needed)
- Offer to cover the cost of her groceries and any other needs related to her pregnancy like a new maternity wardrobe.
- Help her get a restraining order from her abusive boyfriend
- Offer her a safe place to live
- Convince her employer to NOT discriminate against her because she is pregnant
- If that doesn't work, offer her a job
- Convince her employer to give her *at least* 6 weeks of paid leave after childbirth in order to heal from PUSHING A HUMAN BEING OUT OF HER BODY. IT HURTS LIKE HELL AND YOU BLEED OUT OF YOUR VAGINA FOR *WEEKS* BECAUSE YOU HAVE AN INTERNAL WOUND THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL. Plus she might want to get to know her baby and learn how to breastfeed.
- Pay for a doula of her choice to attend to her emotional needs during and after labor.
- Get qualified lactation support for her if that is her choice.
- If you are in a position of power, ensure that your company has paid leave for new mothers and fathers. (Dads need to be home supporting mom and baby too!)
If you aren't willing to do any of those things, I've got another list for you, pick any:
- Shut up and sit down.
- Lobby for paid sick and family leave at your local city council.
- Call your state and Congressional representatives and tell them you demand paid family leave or you will find a candidate for the upcoming midterms that does support it.
- Call your state and Congressional representatives and tell them you demand maternal mortality quality review boards or you will find a candidate for the upcoming midterms that does support it.
- Call your Congressional representatives and tell them you demand universal healthcare or you will find a candidate for the upcoming midterms that does support it.
Feminists and others who actually care about women and babies, what have I left out?
Great article. Thank you. I think media and political parties want to tell us that there is only one way to be pro-life. Every time I see people protesting I think, "What a waste." If you have the time and resources to throw a fit about abortions then you have the time and resources to make a difference for some babies and some women. These women don't wake up thinking, I think I'll kill a baby today. They feel trapped and that is something we can do something about.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I'm sharing.