Today marks the 34th Annual March for Life in Washington. The Supreme Court issued its decision on January 22, 1973, ruling that an abortion was a fundamental right under the United States Constitution. The March for Life is a pro-life event in which like-minded individuals join together in a rally on the Mall and then walk to Capitol Hill.

There. Did I present that in a non-biased manner? Because I'm about to get ten thousand different kinds of biased up in this blog. Which may be surprising if you read my post in my faith and adoption series yesterday. I may not be popular in some crowds today but that's okay. I'm used to being unpopular. I had glasses, braces and bad hair in ninth grade. Been there, done that.

As I said, I grew up with pro-life parents, surrounded by strong pro-life influences. However, when my mother would try to discuss the topic with me, I could never form my own opinion. On the one hand, I didn't want to disappoint my mother by either dissenting from her views or making it seem like I was a woman with little to no moral fiber. (Remember, this is my teenage train of thought. Read on!) It wasn't until I was faced with my own unplanned pregnancy and literal life or death situation that I was able to form my own opinions, which might not be what you assume.

Yes, I chose life for the Munchkin. Even after everything I have been through, I would choose the same thing. It was the right choice for me. Which is why I am adamantly pro-choice. There. I said it. Bring out the pictures of fetuses.

So, if I chose life, why am I adamantly pro-choice? The answer is quite simple and ties into my issues with the church and this topic.

It saddens me, to no end, that the same group of people who should rejoice in the fact that I chose life for my child still condemns me because I'm an evil, dirty, no-good birth mother. Judgements like these serve no purpose in solving the issues that face both the pro-life and pro-choice movements.

Those holding signs of aborted fetuses would be better served by joining together with fellow pro-life believers in their local areas and brain-storming ideas on how to better support mothers and children. If you legitimately want to force every single woman who finds herself pregnant to bring every single baby into this world, you've got to have a better game plan than making it a constitutional amendment and attending rallies. You've got to start welcoming these women and children into your communities, your churches, your schools and your playgroups. You've got to stop pointing fingers and instead start offering your hand-me-downs, your experience for advice and support and an understanding shoulder to cry on when things seem to be overwhelming. And that's just the small stuff, folks. I'm not even talking about the facts on how state assistance is failing pregnant mothers and children all over our country. I'm not even talking about discrimination brought on by employers when single mothers have to tend to their sick children. I'm talking about these individuals, holding the signs, who are talking the talk but also need to be walking the walk. Support comes from more than just running your mouth. Take a pregnant woman into your home and help her get on her feet if you want to see that child born. Take a vested interest. Actually DO something to help that unborn child by caring for that mother.

Life was the proper choice for me. I am glad that I had the right and the time to make such a decision. I believe all women should be granted such a luxury. It boils down to the fact that, in adoption, I didn't feel as if I had a choice.

And no woman should ever... EVER... have to feel that way.

All of that said: whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, please share with me what you are DOING to better help support mothers and children. As I continue to prayerfully consider the path God wants me to take in this particular topic, the more ideas I am presented with, the better chance I have at creating something truly beneficial to mothers and children in our area. Let's brain-storm together. :)