people in southern states are on the front lines of the pro-abortion movement
if you're willing to throw us under the bus, what's the point?
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I started off my week by seeing this:
The photo is from a rally put on by organization Rise and Resist in NYC a couple of days ago. Note: Rise and Resist describes itself as a “direct action group committed to defeating any gov’t act that threatens democracy, equality, and our civil liberties”. At first glance, great, a pro-abortion action! But wait - they’ve chosen to make the center of that action a giant sign that says “FUCK TEXAS”. Excuse me, what? Did you forget that real people with real lives, all who deserve abortion access, actually live here?
So let’s get some things straight:
There are so many pro-abortion providers, organizers, and activists here in Texas (and in other southern states) doing this work on the front lines at great personal risk. They are the leaders of this movement. They are doing this work and modeling how to do it elsewhere. The disrespect is profound.
People who need abortions in states with anti-abortion governments and bans are the most vulnerable and at risk - less likely to get the care they need, and more likely to experience criminalization. They are the people we are doing this work for.
It’s unhelpful and honestly lazy for the messaging to be “fuck Texas”. Fuck Matthew Kacsmaryk, fuck anti-abortion ideology/legislation/lawmakers, fuck abortion bans/restrictions, certainly. But I’m *so proud* of all of us organizing here in Texas and across the south.
Lack of access anywhere impacts everywhere. For example: when people from heavily restricted/banned states are forced to seek care in less restricted states, it puts more pressure on the (already overwhelmed) systems in those states. It results in delayed care for everyone. They are coming for all of us. In every state. The goal is a total federal ban. So it’s even more crucial to remember that reproductive freedom is for everyone, everywhere. We need solidarity, not scorn and misplaced blame. Our messaging and actions should come from a place of care.
We’re not leaving anyone behind.
And also, why I use the term pro-abortion instead of pro-choice:
I hope that it contributes to destigmatizing the word abortion. By saying abortion when we mean abortion, it helps to normalize people’s experiences and decrease shame due to societal stigmatization.
It is a *specific* term that directly speaks to the experiences of and validates people who have abortions.
“Pro-choice” isn’t meaningful if there isn’t actually a choice, due to things like restrictions, bans, economic barriers, geographic barriers, etc! I want to clearly convey that I am unapologetically here for abortion access for anyone that needs it.
There is nothing wrong with being pro-abortion, because there is nothing wrong with having abortions.
I don’t determine what language to use based on what might in some universe appeal to/make people comfortable who are anti-abortion, or on the fence. I determine which language I use based on my understanding of what people who have abortions need and how I feel I can be most supportive.
And please note: the language I use has evolved along the way. I used to say pro-choice when I really meant pro-abortion. I want to let you know that it’s okay to change the language you’re using if your understanding shifts.
some notable (and less notable) things
I’ve been (trying to) deal with pregnancy-induced nausea by cutting into the skin of an orange and clutching it to my nose. Recommend.
a recipe
I know y’all love my brownie recipe (I do too!). But if I had to choose, I might choose a blondie over a brownie. This simple and quick recipe makes a pan of thick and chewy blondies full of chopped white chocolate and toasted walnuts. They’ve got a sweet, nutty, deep flavor with just a bit of saltiness to keep your tastebuds entertained.
my current fave pic of Otie
xoxo,
your favorite becca
things that permanently live at the bottom of my posts:
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Grab a copy of my choose-your-own-adventure cookbook, Baking by Feel, here!
Texans I love you and am so grateful for all your work in catalyzing the pro-abortion movement--we couldn't do it without you.
The FOB song that lives in my head rent-free though is Grand Theft Autumn :~)