Reproductive rights, family planning, right to one's own body is all so basic, that I almost forgot about the struggle. By the time the pill was discovered I was too old for it. However, the story of Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood was known to all. Of course I joined NOW, and NARAL sent me newsletters. I keep current with those who know how to plan their families. But I don't know those who are shunned.
While I was mentoring a neighbor teenager (no authority and much caring) I wondered how she would navigate the narrow straits of JenLo and BunBusters. In my whole life I knew that I had a right to my own body. But when I was her age, there was not a constant drumbeat of thumping rock and comeon midriffs. It made me plenty mad to hear the sermons she was accustomed to in little fundamentalist churches. But it made me even madder when I took time to hear the words in some of the songs.
Now she is happily married. They are working to get a start before they have a family. But three of her high school friends are single mothers.
Pregnancy is a woman thing. Any man who wants to chime in had better know he's on the short end of the talk. Why is it that all women aren't more interested in the budding young woman? I know there are parts of the country where abortion is practically impossible. But why is it not in the interest of womanhood to help the young? Mothers are helpful but mothers need a lot of support.
I wish you well in your struggle. Look up John Edwards website. Kate Michelman is on his paid staff.