There has been alarming spread of the idea that the government needs to tell women how to manage their reproductive health. The Stupak Amendment, put forth by Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak is one example. Others are the proposed amendment to the California Constitution that declares life begins at conception, a move that would outlaw many forms of birth control, jeopardize health care for pregnant women, and eliminate in-vitro fertilization. Add in the recent murder of Dr. Tiller by domestic terrorist Scott Roeder, the "sting" operation on Planned Parenthood by Lila Rose, and denial of health education for the general public by the Orange County Supervisors as a way to defund Planned Parenthood and you see that there is a war being waged against women.
So why are candidates who espouse these views, like Bart Stupak, still endorsed, supported, and elected?
Because people have become afraid to stand up for their rights.
Who needs to stand up?
- Anyone who wants to use birth control or decide the number of children they want needs to stand up. The ultimate goal is to eliminate birth control.
- Anyone who doesn't want to run the risk of getting pregnant every time they have intercourse needs to stand up. This means the boyfriends too, as well as the women.
- Anyone who wants to use fertility treatments or in-vitro fertilization also needs to stand up. This means you too, same sex couples, because you will be cut off from these procedures if you don't.
- Anyone who wants pregnant women to make their own medical decisions. If people like Bart Stupak have their way, women who find out they have cancer while pregnant will not be able to get treatment because the life of the fetus will take priority over the life of the mother.
What do you need to do? Force candidates for office to tell you where they stand on these issues. If they do not support these issues, don't vote for them, don't work for them, don't give them money. Make sure the other people you know understand where the candidate is so they can spread the word.
We must have our elected officials stand up for us. If the candidates will not stand up for our rights, we must not stand up for them.
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