While I support a woman's right to choose, I was part of an abortion decision. I regret it to this day.
We were afraid of what we would lose and that, as parents, we would fail.
So, we sat together and made that tough decision. At the time, though, we saw it only as the right decision.
My and her irresponsibility put us there. That is not the case for all women.
We must acknowledge that some women are forced into having an abortion. Domestic violence, victims of rape, and poor women are concerned that they cannot give their children a good life.
As I thought about the issue of abortion, women's rights, and why women have abortions, So I spoke with the experts.
I spoke to some women about the reasons they have had or contemplated abortions.
This proposal gives some answers but, more importantly, a new, supportive way forward for those women who choose it.
The Proposal
I created this proposal because I want women to make their own decisions on abortion without outside forces having power over them.
I propose that Boston, with local state and federal help, will show expecting mothers and families that there are alternatives to abortion and they can, with a child, live a happy life.
I propose creating an agency responsible for working with and supporting women who choose to go forward with their pregnancy.
The alternate agency will provide support to mothers wanting to keep and raise their children.
The government and charities will support this new program.
The program will provide the following:
1. Emergency housing was created strictly for the new program. In emergencies, women will be out in temporary "scattered housing.".
2. Education assistance to provide pregnant women with the education to get a strong job in a productive field to provide for themselves and their new baby.
3. Job training. Whether technical or trade skills.
4. Free daycare. Then daycare vouchers until 1st grade. These vouchers will stay active while the child is in kindergarten as support for working parents in school.
5. Bi-weekly stipend and food assistance.
6. Therapy. Single and group. Drug treatment, if necessary.
7. Support receiving restraining orders. Support on any issues concerning domestic violence.
Unlike many programs, boyfriends, husbands, and fiancés would be included in this program.
With the following criteria:.
No Domestic Violence charges.
No Drug or Alcohol Convictions.
No Gun Convictions or charges.
Rules will be created to provide the highest standards of safety and security.
I include the spouse or boyfriend to prevent the sneaky nonsense that follows humans.
The partner must follow all guidelines and rules of the Women in the program.
Therapy, education, job training etc...
Every criteria with no exceptions or guideline diminishment.
The goal is for the organization to build a strong, supportive family unit. A unit that will get strong and move into their own housing.
This is not the end all be all. This is yet another option for supporting Boston's amazing women.
Abortion rights should be just that, a right.. If one stands against abortion then they simply shouldnt get one, but not try to govern others with their principles.. As far as DV situations go, I'd say leave the significant other out of the equasion; the law as written will prevent them from going to any program with the woman as he's the reason she needs the services in the first place.. Usually there's a restraining order and/or a no contact order, so they'd be unable to attend the program with her.. Thats the hurtle..
It’s an interesting approach- and with the tightening of our demographics, an important one- but the devil’s in the details. I’d bring on pro-choice organizations at the planning stage. You gotta sell them on it not being compulsory, not making them get an ultrasound, etc. Don’t make it about men denying women bodily autonomy. Women’s organizations can help you make that case. I’d consider linking it to other family planning programs: contraption, basic sex ed, affordable contraceptives, etc.