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August 16, 2006

Contradictions from Parental Notification Camp

Like most people, I see abortion as a horror and something to be prevented as much as possible. Unlike "pro-lifers," however, I don't see the solution as being outlawing abortion. Rather, I see the solution as promoting self-esteem in women, respect for women as human beings by men, proper use of birth control, and responsible sex. When unwanted pregnancies are reduced, so are abortions. Being a realistic person, however, I also believe early-term abortions ought to be safe and legal.

For quite awhile I donated regularly to a group that offered free pregnancy testing, pro-life counseling, and free ultrasounds to pregnant women in crisis because I believe women should not just jump into a decision to have an abortion. I have also contributed to Planned Parenthood because of their pregnancy-prevention and anti-STD efforts. I have never, however, supported Oregon Right to Life because the group's approach is a legislative approach, rather than an approach of the heart.

Nonetheless, my giving history to a pro-life group has ensured my name is on Oregon Right to Life's mailing list. Yesterday I received a mailing from them regarding the Parental Notification measure that will be on the ballot in November. The letter calls for letters to the editor, and says:

"We are very excited at the prospect of passing Oregon's first pro-life law in over 30 years, and we know you are too!! However, we will not be successful in November without the help of every pro-life person in Oregon. And we need your help for a very important aspect of our campaign.

Clearly, the campaign views itself as pro-life. When it is speaking to its members, that is. Because enclosed in the same mailing is a brochure for the general public on the measure entitled, "7 Important Facts You Need to Know." Inside, it says:

Just Common Sense

Parental Notification is not a Pro-Choice or a Pro-Life issue; it is a Common Sense issue.

Setting aside the campaign's obvious contradictions, the thing about this measure is that like banning abortion, it offers a legislated blanket approach to an issue that is so intensely personal and unique for every woman that it will undoubtedly impose nightmarish results on some young women who have already been victimized more than enough. That is why, even though I am pro-life (like most people who support abortion rights, by the way), I cannot support this measure.

Posted by Becky at August 16, 2006 09:51 AM