Teddy called me last night when he saw the news story, and I literally thought he was joking. A few weeks ago the clinic director and my friend Abby resigned from PP in Bryan. I was saddened but felt that she was making a personal choice about her career and didn't think too much of it.
Last night, the day after 40 days for life ended, Abby "came out" as a person who has had a change of heart and not only become pro-life, but joined the coalition for life, an anti-choice group founded locally in college station, TX.
To be clear, she has a right to believe whatever she likes, and I don't disrespect her for being a prolife person. I have prolife friends and family in my life, and once ascribed to those beliefs myself. But It sucks to lose an ally, especially in this town, and it hurts to lose a friend (She even deleted me off facebook ).
Being prolife is one thing, but supporting the coalition for life, a group she was constantly disparaging, is shocking and upsetting to me. The fact that she has gone public with this news in town is really hard, and really hurtful for those us who support the local planned parenthood. About two weeks ago, I organized a rally with some key prochocie, pro planned parenthood allies in town on Texas A&M campus.
We were harassed for holding signs like these:
As a prochoice activist, I am disheartened and a little down today. But I am also ever-more convinced of the importance of the work we do.
Planned Parenthood supports prevention, supports women, and helps people in my community everyday. Teddy has some great posts about 40 Days for Life and Planned Parenthood you can check out for further reading.
More on this later, as Teddy and the other escorts and prochoicers in town deal with this shocking news.
For now, keep fighting for women's rights.
Shelly Blair, co-host of Fair and Feminist
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5 comments:
Shelly, this is so well written and can definitely "hear" your saddness and disappointment as I read your blog. I am so sorry that you lost her as a friend... too bad she does not realize what a wonderful friend she has lost....
Hugs, Slyck
Hang in there Shelly - As a long-time supporter of PP, I have seen some pretty nasty stuff from the right wing-nuts. Very sad, because it is inconsistent with the religion they purport to have as their base. To lose a supporter like that is a real blow, but take heart in the millions who support choice and don't think the government should tell a woman what to do with her own body.
Shelly,
I feel like superwoman just retired. I'm so confused by the situation and I know that all of those crazy feminist conversations I had with Abby weren't lies, she was convicted in that. It seems so unreal, or like getting dumped. And I know she understands that the Coalition for Life doesn't help women.
Maybe one day something will be revealed?
Slyck- Thank you for your kind words
Bill- It IS inconsistent, and can be so frustrating. Yeah, a woman's body is her OWN
Kelly- I know, I'm really confused and saddened by it. I feel like there is more to the story.
The most persuasive and beautifully done document on abortion can be found on Life is hid dot com where both sides are addressed. Be sure to check it out on the second menu bottom.
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