I wasn't sure I'd write this diary. It's personal, but all of the people referred to have passed.
Also, the concept of abortion in relation to money and class, has been suggested and /or hinted at, but I don't remember a diary being blunt about it.
I'm 74, so I remember clearly when all abortions were illegal. I was a teenager when I became aware of a certain salient truth. My older sister, only 16, became pregnant. There was a discussion of the shotgun wedding, but also that that decision might not be the best idea. My 12 year old self didn't understand. What was the alternative?
I didn't ask, but I listened. Switzerland I learned was the answer. I still didn't understand. We didn't have the sort of money to go to Switzerland, and why go to Switzerland?
Then I did ask. No, we didn't have the money, but my mother's parents did. If that was the decision that was made, my sister would go to Switzerland and the matter would be handled safely and discreetly.
Suddenly the answer to my aunt's two visits to Switzerland became obvious. I just thought she liked Switzerland.
Here is the blunt point: abortion access is, and will always be, available for people with money. Abortion bans are a burden only for those who can't go off to Europe, or even a couple of states away. All those rich people spouting off about the sanctity of life. They won't ever have to worry if one of their children, for whatever reason, needs an abortion. Believe me, it will happen.
And I'm not a poor person angry at the rich. I'm angry at a class of people who will never have to face the thought of how can I feed another child? How will I get child care for an infant? How will I, as a high risk pregnant woman, manage this? Will I die? Will I die in some back alley trying the best I can to manage?
I'm furious. How dare some sanctimonious a**holes tell a woman that she has to just find a way to manage; either with one more child she can't feed, or the back alley?
I think more needs to be said about the class aspect of this. People of more limited income will, and are, the ones who will suffer from abortion bans. Those with money won't. There will be inconveniences, but no brutal decisions. They have the money to ensure their choices are all safe.
For the record, my sister did have the child and there was a shot gun wedding.