punishment

What happens to those women who make one mistake that changes their entire lives? What about that one moment that could decide their future, to keep it or lose it? And is is right that anyone can judge them for doing it? One thing is for sure... experience sure makes a difference, it shines a whole new light on the situation and lets you see what would happen if it were you and you were in their shoes.

If you haven't known what I'm talking about, I'll clue you in. Abortion. The ending of a biological life. And whether you are for it or so completely against it (which most people that are have never been in that situation) hear me out. Think about it... think about those closest to you that have experienced it or have been close to experiencing it.

Out of my family and close friends, several have found themselves in this situation. The moment when you have to decide whether life is ready to hand you something else or whether you're not ready, which there is nothing wrong with at all. I will say right now that you have no idea what's it's like, the anxiety of even it being a possibility but knowing it;s the only choice you can make. I do know personally and very well a few people that have had the choice in their lives: one being a woman that I love so much and that is my best friend who was faced with the choice and knew she had no other option. The other being one of my best girlfriends in high school who was faced with the possibility of it and ended up coming out alright without that choice having to be made. And finally one of my best friends in college who was faced with it as well and to this day, I'm still not sure about what happened in that office.

The thing that no one understands is that sometimes (actually a lot of times) there is no other choice. There is actually no choice at all. There is one option in front of you. One moment when you can look in the face of shame and guilt and grasp it as tight as you can and still make that choice, knowing that you'll have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that it is a serious decision to be made, but in the end, no judgement should be passed because ultimatley that woman will live with a scar that will never fade away for the rest of her life. Is it so hard to help her heal instead of punishing her for something she's already punishing herself for every single day of her life?