(no subject)

[aprilstarchild]

So I found out from a post in feminist_rage that all women capable of childbearing are to be considered "pre-pregnant" and should be counseled on "preconception" health care. Whether we plan on having kids or not. Whether we have sex with boys or not.

If you read the article, it makes it sound like women should never drink, smoke, or clean catboxes, because God forbid, we might get pregnant at any moment. The only reason we should stay healthy is because we might have an oops! and end up preggers! Never mind that they mention, in the article, that women in the US with higher infant mortality rates are usually poorer. Dead babies or babies with birth defects isn't due to lack of health care or good food or non-dangerous jobs or all the other shit that often comes with being poor, no, it's because I didn't assume I might get pregnant at any second and take care of myself accordingly!!

*pissed off*

I understand where they're coming from, I truly do. But, jesus, can't you encourage women to consume more folic acid because it's good for the women as well, instead of because they're potential incubators?

Many of the comments in feminist_rage made references to The Handmaid's Tale. It's not hard to see why.

I didn't go to Uwajimaya's. It's too hot, I say.

Comments

[mechalith.livejournal.com]

The part that really torqued me off was that the reason they want to do this is that "half of all pregnancies are unplanned". Fucking get people to plan better morons....

[underthethrow.livejournal.com]

It's too hot, I say. that made me giggle...it's just the way you said it.

Also...wow...I'm so glad that the only reason that I should take care of myself is so I can properly populate this overcrowded earth. Do they tell you what to do after the baby is born though? No. They never do.

[egggbuggg.livejournal.com]

The Handmaids Tales is a scary rough book--not recommended to be read by 14 year old beginner feminists (aka me at 14). It really sickened my brain and put an overcast on my brain for three years afterwards. Its part of the reason why I'm so righteously androgynous today. If I had read it now, it wouldn't be such an effect, but it is a powerful book. woah, man.

[aprilstarchild.livejournal.com]

I read it at about the same age, I borrowed it from people I was babysitting for!

I think that and Sassy magazine had a huge influence on my self-defining as a feminist.