Abortion opponents know full well that the public would not abide putting women in prison en masse. Politically, it's more palatable to portray them as irrational, ignorant, and childlike, perhaps even temporarily insane. Katha Pollitt abideabortionchildlike share on social
The notion that female initiative is useless because men know what they want is particularly odd - most people don't even know what they want for dinner. Katha Pollitt dinnerfemaleinitiative Change image and share on social
Most Americans probably have no idea how hostile anti-abortion sidewalk counseling outside clinics can be. There's a reason pro-choicers volunteer to escort patients as they make their way past angry crowds to the clinic door. Katha Pollitt abortionamericanangry share on social
Women who give up their children for adoption are years and years later talking about how painful it was, much more than women who have abortions. Katha Pollitt abortionadoptionchild Change image and share on social
We need to say that women have sex, have abortions, are at peace with the decision, and move on with their lives. We need to say that is their right, and, moreover, it's good for everyone that they have this right: The whole society benefits when motherhood is voluntary. Katha Pollitt abortionbenefitdecision share on social
It's a rare pro-lifer who is against the death penalty, who's against all war, who favors, you know, all the things people need to flourish and stay healthy in life. They've tied themselves to the Republican Party, which doesn't support any of that. Katha Pollitt deathfavorflourish share on social
Abortion opponents say women seek abortions in haste and confusion. Pro-choicers reply: Abortion is the most difficult, agonizing decision a woman ever makes. Katha Pollitt abortionagonizechoicers Change image and share on social
There is a huge reservoir of support for abortion rights from ordinary women. I hear all the time from women who had abortions and say it made possible the good life they went on to have. Social shaming silences too many. Katha Pollitt abortiongoodhear share on social
Do men drop out of college because they get someone pregnant? Do they quit their job if they get someone pregnant? No. And we do not require men to support women they have made pregnant. Once the baby is born, there can be child support. Before that, though, no. Katha Pollitt babybearchild share on social
Since 'Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights' came out, I've done a fair amount of public speaking, and the two statistics that always make the audience sit up are that nearly one in three women will have had at least one abortion by menopause and 61 percent of women who have abortions are already mothers. Katha Pollitt abortionamountaudience share on social