If you have not seen "Vera Drake" , get thee to the video store ASAP.
Aside from the incredible performance by Imelda Staunton and the brilliant direction by Mike Leigh, the story makes it crystal clear why abortion needs to remain safe and legal for all women. The movie is about so much more than abortion...it's a riveting character study and a glimpse into a still-reeling post-WWII England. But I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, knowing that if Roe v. Wade is ever overturned in this country, we will be catapulted back into a past where women had to rely on the services of the inept and untrained (albeit, in this case, well-meaning).
Although rich women will always be able to have their pregnancies disappear at will...poor women will die. Or give birth to babies they don't want, can't afford, and can't care for. Some of those babies/children will wind up abused or dead. And while I do welcome dissenting opinions, I would ask anyone who reacts with "adoption is an option" to get real. There are already thousands of "less desirable" babies and children in this country who are without homes. Couples who can afford it are going outside the US for white or Chinese infants. Or, paying upwards of $10,000 for healthy white babies in this country (one classified ad I spotted even specified "male". Yeah, those people really just want a baby. Uh huh.)
The reality is, unwanted pregnancies happen. They don't need to result in unwanted children. It's all well and good to be "pro-life", but when that does not extend beyond childbirth it's just a hypocritical load of bullshit. Don't believe in abortion? Don't have one.
Can you tell this is a real hot-button issue for me? ;)
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