I believe abortion is essentially pro-life because my experience has shown me how it can enrich women’s lives. Large numbers of women could not have succeeded as lawyers and doctors, scientists and engineers, without the availability of abortion. Women have a greater degree and sense of safety in their lives because they know they can control the number of children born from their bodies without risk to themselves. (Introduction, Life Choices)
It’s Thursday, November 1. Tonight, I’ll be selling Life Choices at the Boulder Theater at the annual party, performance, and fundraiser of the Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center. 39 years ago today, Women’s Health, formerly called Boulder Valley Clinic, opened its doors to serve the Boulder community and beyond. It was the first free-standing abortion clinic in Colorado and one that offered low cost, supportive services to any woman who requested them. It is now a thriving place that provides extensive gynecological and sexual health services. I was one of the founders, along with a small group of community activists who formed the core of the staff and board of directors. I stayed for fourteen years, directing the counseling program, assisting the doctors, and generally contributing to the running of the clinic. Why? Because of conscience.
Conscience. A deep sense of moral responsibility. A driving desire to look out for the needs of women who were pregnant but did not want to or could not be. A personal history that included the terror and danger of illegal abortion.
Conscience. The name of the magazine of Catholics for Choice.
Conscience. The centerpiece of an article in New England Journal of Medicine about the commitment of medical professionals to provide abortion services.
Conscience. Concern for the sanctity of life, the over-politicized distortions of which are beautifully discussed by Thomas Friedman in a recent column.
Happy Anniversary Women’s Health! Next year will be the 40th! A deep bow to all those whose strength of conscience and courage keep women and their families safe and healthy. And, to all abortion providers throughout the U.S.and the world who risk their lives daily to serve the needs of women.
Yes, Happy Anniversary to Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center! Think of all the women who have been helped during those first thirty-nine years! Thank you, Linda, and all women of good conscience and courage.