in remembrance of women who died from illegal and unsafe abortions

[fleur-de-lisa]

26. Both of my grandmothers died from 'home' abortions . . .

Niyad: I hope you don't mind if I add some personal information to your list:

Margaret Williams
July 10, 1911 - July 7, 1932

My maternal grandmother, Margaret Williams, bled to death in her home shortly before her 21st birthday. My mother was 4 at the time and her little sister was 2. My grandfather, Margaret's husband, came home to find his wife dying on the kitchen floor as a result of a 'home' abortion she and a friend attempted. They were devout Catholics and my grandmother was afraid to tell anyone what she had done, so she did nothing. She was from a very poor family of Irish immigrants and she had no one to turn to. They could barely afford to feed their little family of 4, so she tried to end the pregnancy in an effort to keep her family afloat, and ultimately, she ended her own life.

Dora Chapman
Feb 28, 1905 -July 28, 1942

My paternal grandmother, Dora Chapman, died in her home under similar circumstances . . . very poor family with 4 children and another pregnancy. The only difference is that her family was Methodist. She also bled to death in her home after a 'home' abortion because she didn't ask for help in time to save her life. They were poor farmers in Nebraska and could barely feed their own family. They couldn't afford another child.

I have an older sister (who I will not name since she is still living) who was raped about 30 years ago. The rape resulted in a pregnancy. She was afraid to say anything until it was too late for an abortion, and she bore an inter-racial child that was put up for adoption. My sister suffered irreparable emotional damage, not only from the rape, but also from the stigma of carrying her rapists child to term.

It sickens me that we are still having this discussion today. These powerful and privileged male politicians sit in their plush offices and pronounce judgment on women who have suffered through unbelievable circumstances. My grandmothers deserve better. My sister deserves better. Their families deserve better. The decision to abort or carry an unwanted child to term is never taken cavalierly, as these despicable men insinuate.

As long as I live I will fight for a woman's right to choose. I owe it to the grandmother's I never knew. I owe it to my sister. Keep your fucking hands off our bodies!