Abortions Have Made Life Better for Millions Of Men: It's About Time to Speak Up in Support

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/visions/155960/abortions_have_made_life_better_for_millions_of_men%3A_it%27s_about_time_to_speak_up_in_support_/

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Pro-choice activists have been saying for at least three decades that the landscape of the abortion debate won't permanently change until women are brave enough to do what gays did 30 years ago -- emerge from the shadows, speak our truth and demand respect for our decisions.

One in three women in America will have an abortion at some point in her life. There are roughly twice as many abortions as LASIK procedures performed in any given year. Given that overwhelming prevalence, it's high time for women who have had abortions to come out, step up, stand by their choices -- and refuse delivery on all attempts to burden them with regret or shame.

The GOP's legislative "war on women" and Darcy Burner's controversial "take a stand" moment at Netroots Nation have brought renewed vigor to solving the invisibility problem, sparking new campaigns to encourage women to reject right-wing attempts to shame and silence them. It's important work, with huge potential to change the way we talk about abortion for decades to come.

But through all of this fresh energy and determination, there's one set of big, deep voices that's conspicuously missing.

We need to hear from the men, too.

[clang1]

1. Speaking up: Reproductive health care is a womans right n/t

[FarPoint]

2. Yes, womans right to choose....

Abortion can be a family decision. Male support is acceptable and encouraged. Margaret Sanger's husband was supportive.

[undeterred]

3. In these situations women usually get themselves pregnant.

[raccoon]

4. +1. nt