Thursday, November 10, 2016

POLITICS: GET INVOLVED


Yesterday I felt defeated, as I know many of you did. I think what shocked me the most about the results was learning that 53% of white women in America voted for Donald Trump (according to CNN exit polls). I just cannot wrap my head around that statistic. I guess I just don't understand what could be more important than having rights to your own body.

Trump stated in the debates that he wants to overturn Roe vs Wade and have each state regulate their own abortion laws. I don't think people understand what impact that would really have on this country. Each state would go completely rogue. Abortion could be banned for any reason, including rape and incest, and in most Republican states, likely would. For the states that shut down abortion access and/or make it more difficult for a women to receive, there would then be an influx of women trying to get access in the few states that still performed them. In turn, the wait times would be so long that you wouldn't even be able to get the care you needed until weeks or months later. And at that point, it would be too late. The 20 week ban would certainly go into affect (as Republicans are already currently fighting it in numerous states), which would ban all abortions after 20 weeks. Women in my situation wouldn't stand a chance.

Trump promised to defund Planned Parenthood, which would in turn, cause them to shut down. Even if, EVEN IF Roe v Wade isn't overturned, where will women get abortion access along with their other healthcare needs? Where will they go to get their birth control so they don't end up with unwanted pregnancies in the first place? 2.5 million women and men in the United States annually visit Planned Parenthood for services and information. Where will all of those people go?

And if you're one of those women who believes they will never be in a situation of needing an abortion, I need you to hear me on this: neither did I. If your child bearing years are behind you, think about your daughters, sisters, nieces and grand daughters. Think about those women in your life being forced to carry a baby to term that's a product of rape. Think about those women in your life being put in a situation similar to mine, without abortion access. When 1 in 3 women in this country will have an abortion, you cannot hide in the idea that "it doesn't affect me."

So I have to ask the white women of this country again -- what is more important to a woman than women's rights?

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Gah, I digress. I will never understand it, but I will have to accept it. Besides my complete frustration with the whole thing, there has been some inspiration and hope that has come out of this election. If we only looked at the millennial votes, Hillary would have trumped Trump. Significantly. This map shows the difference -- Hillary would have won in a landslide. That gives me hope. Hope for our future generations.



Another sliver of hope was Hillary's concession speech that she beautifully delivered yesterday. If you haven't watched it yet, I suggest you do.

"Please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it. It is, it is worth it. And so we need - we need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives." - HRC

So to the younger and clearly more progressive generation, I ask you to start fighting for what you believe is worth it. If you've stood on the sidelines griping about politics, human rights and policies, now is the time to get involved. Follow your passion. Follow what feels right in your heart. Find advocacy groups for things you support in your area and take action. Your voice is important, now, more than ever.

If women's reproductive rights happen to be what's important to you, here are 2 easy ways to get started:
Visit Planned Parenthood Action and hit "Act" at the top right corner of the site. Then enter your email address and zip code so you can begin receiving news alerts on ways to get involved in your community. You can also make a donation to help Planned Parenthood.
Visit NARAL Pro-Choice America and hit the "Get Involved" tab. They can direct you to different ways to support women's rights in your community. 
These are both national groups, so once you actively engage with either of these groups, the doors will open for other opportunities in your area.

Millennials: now is our time. "They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds."