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by Bessie Jewel (writer), Texas Hill Country, February 16, 2012

When it comes to the polarizing issue of abortion, men need to keep their opinions and legislation to themselves.

Way back in the Stone Age, January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a landmark decision in Roe v. Wade. We all know the case so there's no point in beating that poor old dead horse. It's been flogged for forty years now and of course, the whipping only becomes more intense the closer we get to an election.

The latest attempt comes from Virgina's "personhood" bill, introduced by U.S. Senate candidate Bob Marshall which grants the unborn fetus the same rights and privileges as any other person. The implications of this are enormous and there are twelve other states considering similar legislation, despite the fact that it has been rejected repeatedly over the course of the past few years. But tiny margins are won each time it's placed before the voters - sort-of like the death of a thousand cuts.

Like everyone else in the country, I have an opinion and I do believe in everyone's right to express it. But I've come to notice over the past forty years, the people yelping longest and loudest are MEN. MEN running for public office. Bishops, Cardinals, priests and ministers...men, men, men, MEN!!!

Men are just dandy in my book - I've co-habitated with one for over thirty years and I value his opinion, whether I share it or not. And, my father was a man. I pretty much liked him, too. But, the fact of the matter is, they aren't the ones who get pregnant. They are not the ones who would carry an unwanted pregnancy (rape; incest). They are not the ones whose life would be jeopardized at times. They are not the ones who'll be throwing up for three or four months - or who'll be in labor - or who'll have the bulk of the responsibility of raising a child. They are also not the ones who'll be killed or maimed through illegal and unsafe termination practices. Let's be honest - making abortion illegal, will not stop it.

I do not mean to infer that only men are against reproductive rights. I know plenty of women who feel strongly on this issue, one way or another. And I have always been willing to enter into a discussion concerning OUR thoughts and fears and moral dilemmas. But Guys, this just is not your issue. And Gals, the very instant some man starts to tell you what GOD wants, well...try to consider the source.

Bessie Jewel is a writer for BrooWaha. For more information, visit the writer's website.