In his Jan. 26 letter to the editor (“Abortion rights should not be taken lightly,” ODE, Jan. 26), fellow student John Ferrigan argues that it is distracting when organizations like Planned Parenthood celebrate the passage of Roe V. Wade with song and dance. He says such gaiety contradicts pro-choice statements regarding how serious and unfortunate a decision to have an abortion must be. Lastly, he charges Planned Parenthood with drawing the discussion into the world of emotions and away from a proper philosophical, legal and moral discussion. Purposeful or negligent, the true misdirection here comes from Mr. Ferrigan confusing the feelings of pro-choicers regarding the act of abortion, with their feelings regarding the establishment of the RIGHT to have a choice.
Perhaps the hallmark of the choice movement is the declaration that no state government should ever hold jurisdiction over an individual’s right to decide what is best for his or her body or family. While those opposing abortion are welcome to criticize the validity of such a rights claim, lumping all pro-choice actions into ‘abortions = good’ is divisive, deceitful and yes, distracting.
Like Mr. Ferrigan, I will never know the trepidation that comes at a time when becoming pregnant, regardless of circumstance, meant the loss of one’s agency. But, unlike Mr. Ferrigan, I see no confusion in the celebration of the establishment of women’s rights over their body and the consolation of those who, for whatever reason, have to go through such a procedure.
Aaron Donaldson
UO Graduate Student
The right to choose should be celebrated
Daily Emerald
January 27, 2009
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