Abortion Speak Out: Beyond the Politics

This post is part of our partnership with the 2010 From Abortion Rights to Social Justice: Building a Movement for Reproductive Freedom Conference, which is happening this weekend! The Speak Out is one session we will not be blogging, as everyone in attendance is expected to show respect for the women who speak by keeping their words in the space of the event. This is not a political rally but a space for those who have had abortions to tell their own personal stories. For more on the Speak Out read this guest post by Brenly Rowland, representing the CLPP Student Group Speak Out Committee.
Abortion proved its political relevancy recently, where coverage for the procedure became a make-it-or-break-it issue in the passage of health care reform. Suffice it to say, women lost big-time on multiple levels. While the bill does a lot of great things, when it comes to reproductive health – and abortion specifically- it actually decreases coverage for some really essential services. The Nelson compromise severely limits abortion coverage for those with both public and private insurance plans. The resulting restrictions will, largely, be felt by low income communities of color, who are more likely to seek alternative unsafe abortions due to the inability to cover costs.
The voices of those who have personally had abortions have been silenced in these highly politicized moments. The procedure itself has been isolated, removed from what is defined as socially acceptable and placed in the realm of stigma and taboo. “Breaking Silences, An Abortion Speak Out” held each year at the Civil Liberties and Public Policy conference aims to change that. Our goal is to provide a space where anyone who has personally had an abortion can share their story in a safe, supportive environment.
The Abortion Speak Out and the CLPP conference make a very powerful, profound statement in support of a unique kind of feminism, one that moves beyond traditional politics. This conference has showed me not only the power of united communities, but also the power of individual voices. Every element of the conference inspired me to do more with my work, to think bigger when it comes to reproductive justice. And this power does not come from the planned events alone. Each person who attended and everyone who took part in organizing demonstrates an incredible dedication to the movement, and inspires me to do more with my own work.
Join us at the 2010 Speak Out, Friday April 9th at 7:30 in the Robert Crown Center at Hampshire College. If you have personally had an abortion we invite you to share your story. Everyone is encouraged to come and listen to those who have chosen this moment to share their stories, and hold with respect and compassion the diversity of experiences. Some stories bring laughter, some bring tears. Regardless, the true narrative of the Speak Out is that these stories deserve to be told.
The event begins with a group of planned speakers and then is opened up to members of the audience to come forward and share their experiences. If you have personally had an abortion and are interested in sharing your story, have any questions, or would like more information please contact us at speakout@hampshire.edu.
We are committed to making this a safe and supported space. We will have a space available from 4-6 PM where those who have personally had an abortion can go to get support before the event, have their questions answered, or to share their stories. It is not required that anyone planning on speaking at the event attend this workshop.
We will also hold two discussion groups post-Speak Out: