You are NOT “pro-life.”

I despise the term “pro-life.”  It’s such a glaring misnomer and I refuse to use it anymore.  Let’s call it what it really is:  anti-choice.

Although I would love nothing more than to to shame the ignorant morons picketing outside Planned Parenthood, I won’t turn this into my personal crusade advocating choice.  My passionate conviction that a woman has the right to choose is not the issue here, nor are my beliefs on those who vehemently oppose abortion.  Today my focus rests squarely on Amendment 1.

Yesterday Tennessee voters passed Amendment 1 which states: Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The people retain the right through their elected state representatives and state senators to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother.

Perplexed?  You’re not the only one.  Deliberately written to misguide voters, this confusing language masks the true intention of the amendment, which is giving the government full control to mandate abortion laws.  This amendment is a direct assault on the right to make private decisions free of government interference.  It’s an insult to women, implying they are incapable of making personal medical choices.  If this doesn’t infuriate, outrage, and terrify you….it should.

Fellow Germantown resident Katherine Riffle started a petition for Governor Bill Haslam to repeal Amendment 1.  She makes the crucial distinction that regardless of your personal beliefs about abortion, we must limit the powers of our government and prohibit them for dictating how we manage our private medical care.  I implore you to sign it immediately– and spread the word.

Deceptive, inflammatory advertising during elections is nothing new.  Yet the media campaign for those in favor of Amendment 1 took it to an entirely new level.  Voters were duped and it’s absolutely shameful.  Deconstructing this ad makes me sick.  Calling Tennessee an ‘abortion destination’ is completely ridiculous, not to mention inaccurate.  Contrary to what these anti-choice folks want you to believe we’re not doling out abortions in my state, nor are they without strict guidelines.  Read about current requirements and regulations for abortion in Tennessee here.

Worth noting is the name of this particular organization.  Right To Life.  That’s a battle cry if I’ve ever heard one.  The prominent organization opposing Amendment 1 is considerably more subdued.  Vote No on 1.  Anti-choicers emphasize the unborn’s supposed right to life starting at conception.  What happens once life begins outside of the womb?

Don’t even get me started on the irony that men on Capitol Hill feel qualified to pass legislation regarding women’s health issues.  Gender discrepancy aside, I am sick and tired of politicians interjecting themselves into my private life.  What goes on in my bedroom and in my body is none of their damn business.

Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel had this to say at a Vote No on 1 rally earlier this month:  “I’m not in the pro-life or pro-choice camp.  I’m in the let’s-get-controlling-women’s-health-crises-out-of-the-politician’s-hands camp.  Isn’t it odd that folks who prefer less government regulation want more government regulation on a woman and her family’s private decision making?”

AMEN.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane