Reflections on Roe: A Handful of Reasons I am Pro-Choice

My name is Val, and I am pro-choice:

Because for years, abstinence-only sex education in my school told me ineffective lies and I didn't know to question them.

Because I believe that all people – and all women – are valuable.

Because I know that my body is more than just the sum of its pieces – and especially more than just my reproductive organs.

Because I believe that hatred and control are at the root of the anti-choice movement.

Because my relationships right now are healthy, but they haven't always been.

Because low-income women falter every day in our country's broken social safety net.

Because no decision, including abortion, is made independent of the multitude of other circumstances in our lives.

Because I honor women’s lived experiences, no matter how beautiful, chaotic, challenging, or tragic they are.

Because I am thankful to have had 39 years of Roe v. Wade, but 39 years later, women in this country deserve more than just legality. We deserve access, we deserve choice, and we deserve autonomy.