Abortion Rights, Feminism, and Lena Dunham

Content Warning: This article discusses, in depth, my views on feminism, abortion, reproductive rights, etc. I link resources that may be triggering to some readers. Please take care of yourself first, and remember your mental health is more important than any internet article or blog post.

For those of you not as involved in the feminist scandals news cycle, there has been a recent internet outrage over some comments actress and writer Lena Dunham made on her podcast about abortion rights.

Taken out of context, the statement sounds like: "I wish I had the opportunity to have an abortion, so I can understand what it's really like."

In context, it made more sense. It was distasteful, sure, but I think it was supposed to be a joke. Or something. I am not entirely sure.



The internet had a field day. It's a pretty general consensus that no woman should want an abortion. This misconception-- that women have abortions purely out of convenience-- fuels the pro-life argument on a non-religious basis. While many pro-life advocates base their stance on "abortion is baby murder" (which it is not, btw), some opponents of Roe v. Wade stress how abortion has been normalized in today's culture.

Because I believe in free speech, free information, and a fair voicing of both sides, I will link articles and books at the bottom regarding both the pro-life and the pro-choice standpoints.

I am personally pro-choice, and I will fight for reproductive rights in whatever ways I can. I believe every woman deserves the right to a safe, accessible, and healthy abortion.

If, G-d forbid, I were to get pregnant unexpectedly, I would want the option of abortion. Given my financial situation, my supportive family, and my life circumstances, maybe I would choose to carry to term. Or maybe, because of my mental illnesses and the dangers even PMS poses to my mental health, I might make the decision to abort the fetus.

Whatever decision I made, or a woman in my position made, that is her choice. It is is no way an easy choice (I assume-- to be fair, I have never had to make this decision in reality). There are harsh consequences on both sides, and women who have had abortions often speak of the trauma that the experience carries. This is another reason Dunham's comments were out of line-- she trivialized the very real pain that women go through during the abortion process.

I wrote this in a Facebook comment, but I thought it was an eloquent description of my visions and changing beliefs around Lena Dunham. Here it is:

First off, I am not a fan of Lena Dunham. I used to be a huge fan of her-- back when GIRLS was just starting out, and she was a size 8 actress who was open about mental illness and awkward sex and being a woman writer. I no longer feel that way. I don't know if it was the obnoxious premise of GIRLS that continued to linger long past its welcome, the scandals that continued coming out, her annoying sense of entitlement for everything she does, or some combination.

To be fair to Dunham and all women in the spotlight, there is an increased sense of scrutiny. It's the same reason Hillary Clinton can be threatened with prison for email misuse and Donald Trump is applauded for tax evasion. The truth is that there is no truth. I think this comment was incredibly distasteful, and sheds a bad light on the pro-choice movement, BUT it should be given the same level of attention as any man's obnoxious comment. Which it does not. 

I think Lena Dunham puts little thought and effort into her feminist efforts, and she really needs to be educating herself on basic concepts such as intersectionality. She does not take her responsibility, as a feminist icon and a public figure, seriously. And yet. Women are held to a higher standard, especially women who claim the label of feminist. She is flawed. She is human. She has made too many mistakes at this point for this one to be overlooked, and yet I have some sympathy. Not enough to excuse her, but enough to forgive her-- this time.

From strength to strength,

Rivi


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When Abortion Stopped Making Sense (Pro-Life/Anti Abortion Article)

Fantastic (Pro-Choice) Video on the logic of abortion/disputing the arguments around "abortion=murder"

The Problem with Abortion (Pro-Life Video)

"The Alienable Rights of Women" (Pro-Choice Article) Roxane Gay ("Bad Feminist" is linked below)

John Oliver Video on Abortion Laws and the need for safe facilities (Pro-Choice)

Planned Parenthood website

Books and Reading Materials

Conservative/Pro-Life

I have heard and read some of Christina Hoff Sommer's stuff, and I will say she is informed and eloquent on the issues. I may not agree with what she says, but I respect her academic perspective




The Flipside of Feminism: What Conservative Women Know -- and Men Can't Say

Left-Hearted, Right-Minded: Why Conservative Policies Are The Best Way To Achieve Liberal Ideals

Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism Not specifically related to feminism/reproductive rights, but I really did love this book on the conservative approach to charity and philanthropy

Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye-Opening Journey across the Life Line I have not read this one, but I prefer memoirs on emotional issues such as this one. Appears to be a pro-life author. 

Liberal/Feminist/Pro-Choice

Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned" : Lena Dunham's book (nonfiction essays): Haven't read it yet. It has sparked quite the outrage though.

We Should All Be Feminists: A fantastic book based on the TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Bad Feminist: Essays (Roxane Gay) On my top ten favorite books list. If you read just one book this holiday season, make it this one. It's a great travel read. It's a great read, period. So much love for this book. She is also a woman of color and an author of color, and discusses her experiences with race and gender in her life.


Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics (bell hooks) bell hooks writes about core issues in intersectional feminism (feminism that includes women of other races and experiences-- beyond the women traditionally included in mainstream feminism)

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou; an essential read

Some fun other feminism stuff: