What Pro-Choice Means to Me

The term Pro-Choice means a different thing to different people.

It can be a real hot topic item as it rests very close to our core values. It is important to stay respectful and compassionate in our positions when discussing such a tough issue. My Pro-Choice philosophy is to provide individuals with fact based, non-judgmental information and support to empower them to make informed choices for what is best for themselves and their bodies in the context of their unique realities. That is, I support a women’s right to choose whatever she feels is best for her and trust that she knows what is best for her circumstances. I use this conceptualization of Pro-Choice when I work with women facing unintended pregnancies who are considering their options (parenting, adoption and abortion). I also extend this value system to other aspects of my work such as contraceptive choices, and choice in sexual partners & relationships etc. I believe everybody has a right to access information and services that they need in order to make the best sexual decisions for themselves.

Pro-Choice does not mean Pro-Abortion!

I think this is a common misconception about the Pro-Choice movement. In my work as an Options Support Counsellor at Planned Parenthood in Ottawa it was my role to sit with women who were facing unintended pregnancies and offer them up-to-date information regarding all three of their choices (parenting, adoption and abortion). It was never my role to steer them towards any one choice. If a client only asked to hear about adoption and parenting, then that was the information they were presented and we would not discuss abortion. The client held a position of power and only received the information that they needed to make their choice.

Pro-Choice means being able to support others who do not hold the same values as you. Part of my duty when acting as a Pro-Choice representative is respecting individuals choice to not believe that abortion is right for them. It is not the right choice for all people and that is ok! This means I have worked with and continue to be open to help individuals who do not identify as Pro-Choice. I respect the values of my clients by tailoring my approach to be consistent to their belief system.

So to me, Pro-Choice means creating a safe space where individuals can explore the information they need to consider the contributing factors and feel out what is right for them, and them only.

What I advocate against is when I feel that access to the choice of termination and other reproductive services is being limited for all women. I do have a problem when anti-choice groups and advocates use manipulation and fear to influence and police the bodies of women because they assume their own belief systems to be superior to those of others. Or worse, when they try and shame women who have had to make the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy. I have spoken to many women about their choice to have an abortion. Never was I given the impression that the choice was easy for them.

I use the term anti-choice not pro-life because I don’t believe these terms are mutually exclusive.

As a pro-choice advocate I also believe in the importance of human life and do not like to be presumed to believe differently.

My Pro-Choice identity informs my work as a psychotherapist at KMA therapy, where I aim to create a safe supportive space where individuals holding various belief systems can explore what feels right for them. If you find yourself or a friend in need of information regarding parenting, adoption and abortion please refer to the Pro-Choice resources provided.

To set up an appointment at KMA Therapy call (416) 487-6288.

References:

Planned Parenthood Toronto www.ppt.on.caPlanned Parenthood Ottawa www.ppottawa.caSexuality-and-U www.sexualityandu.ca