My friend's sister is dying of cancer. Maybe right now. She's been in a coma for a few days. Please keep E and F in your prayers.
Why do I mention this in the context of women's reproductive choice?
My friend and I have talked often about the sister's choice to have chemotherapy and palliative surgeries, even though the cancer was known from the beginning to be widespread and inoperable. We have agreed that we don't think we would ever want to go through these procedures, with the horrible side effects that are so well known. But, we also agree, how do we have any idea what we would choose when WE were in the situation?
That's really the key. It's F's body, her life and her death. It is her decision and her family has supported her, no matter their opinions on the matter.
I think I first became aware of abortion as a legal option in high school. I have never had to face the issue of pregnancy myself, but I was sure (as young people often are) exactly what I would do if I became pregnant while unmarried: I would have the baby and put it up for adoption, because 'I couldn't ever have an abortion'. How noble! how principled! how black and white! I'd like to think I would have done that ... but I don't know. I have no idea what that situation would have been like, and I have no idea what I would have done.
I know that people who don't believe that women have a right to choose will say that women are choosing for both themselves and a child...but I truly believe that the woman is already here and her choice comes first; and that she has to make the choice based on what would be best for a child in her life. I suppose that puts me in a particular theological/moral box. So be it. I'm not really interested in arguing it.
I have been very not proud of TEC recently, particularly my local diocese. However, yesterday I was indeed proud of the National Church, when I picked up a pamphlet for the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and learned that we are a member organization.
If I face choices like F's someday, I never want anyone to tell me what to do. Nor do I want to be dictated to if I face a pregnancy I can't support.
Keep your laws off MY body.
