Editor,
In the weeks since writing an editorial on my shock at the lack of access to abortion on P.E.I. you’ll be glad to hear I’m shocked about a whole new issue.
Islanders apparently think it’s courageous to speak out on abortion. Almost all of the feedback I received on that editorial was in the form of “how courageous,” “I would love to have said that,” “I can’t support you publicly, but I support you!” and so on.
I was apparently courageous to say that I want my government to uphold the rights given to women in 1988, uphold them by providing access, right here on little old P.E.I. Not shuffling them off to another province as if this were 1930 and a woman was pregnant, but not married.
Why are Islanders so afraid to discuss a topic whose fate came and went over 20 years ago?
Minister Currie isn’t afraid to discuss this, why he’s so comfortable discussing this that he even meets with groups actively fighting against women’s rights.
Think on that a moment. In an effort to make sure all sides have been heard, Minister Currie met with both the Reproductive Rights organizers and the Pro-life association.
The latter (in case you hadn’t heard) is the group that is actively fighting against my right to have an abortion, to say what goes on in my own body, the right to govern my body. A right men take for granted.
Our government is taking into consideration the views of folks whose aim is to fight against my rights, rights given to me by my government.
Anyone else think that’s a bit odd?
Courageous to stand up for my rights. Well here’s another piece of courage for you – you want freedom of religion, well it only works if you toss in freedom from religion.
Just so you know, when they come after your rights I’ll fight that, too.
Gail Rhyno
Charlottetown
