40 Days of Life | Day 22 | Reproductive Rights

I struggle with statements made regarding “reproductive rights.” Some use this idea in conversations on empowering women. It raises a few questions.

Who decided women could give birth? Do we know why there is one action (traditionally) that leads to pregnancy? What about women who desire to have children but cannot conceive? What is the man’s role in “reproduction?”

How do rights apply to other aspects of our bodies? If you consume large amounts of junk food and lead a sedentary life, do you have a right to be thin? If stay out late and only sleep five hours per night, do you have a right to feel energized?

These questions aren’t about rights. The nature of our bodies is that they are limited and are full of mystery. Illness or other things may happen to our bodies that are out of our control. But most times, how we treat our bodies is an indicator of what we may expect from them. We are subject to the needs of our bodies. Actions impact bodies. We may be free to choose what we do with our bodies, but that does not mean we are free from the results.

Language is often manipulated to make messy decisions more palatable. “Affair” sounds more exciting the adultery. White lies don’t make one a liar, do they?

“Reproductive rights” is another way to say, a mother has a right to end the life of her child. The idea dismisses the rights of the child and the father. It removes actions from outcomes and validates irresponsibility and selfishness. It encourages mothers to see children as a product of their own will, rather than a gift from God. And it equates unplanned with unwanted.

Conversations around sensitive and controversial topics can be polarizing. Many times it’s because we're not talking about the same issue. One idea is hidden inside another. It’s important to ask questions until you get to the heart of a matter. Find out what is being promoted or defended. Rather than reproducing misleading ideas, seek understanding to engage others with truth.

40 Days of Life: Day 20 - Fasting From Selfish Desires

40 Days of Life: Day 18 - Integrity

40 Days of Life: Day 16 - Sight for the Blind

40 Days of Life: Day 15 - Listen

40 Days of Life: Day 13 - Testimony

40 Days of Life: Day 12 - Value of Life

40 Days of Life: Day 10 - Real Belief

40 Days of Life: Day 9 - Love or Truth

40 Days of Life: Day 8 - Let Your Light Shine

40 Days of Life: Day 7 - Jan the Van

40 Days of Life: Day 6 - The More You Know

40 Days of Life: Day 5 - Hope