Why I’m Not Marching Today

I’d like to march for equality - pay, benefits, and opportunities.  I’d like to march for keeping America inclusive.  I’d like to march for a country that still believes in, and promotes, freedom.  I’d like to march to promote a society that values all people.  I’d like to march to keep America as a global beacon for hope in a world so afraid for its children.

But, I can’t.

Let’s look at https://www.womensmarch.com/principles/ for the 8 Principles of today’s event in DC (and various cities around the world):

• Ending Violence - I’m onboard, but it needs to be holistic, not just an attack on the 2nd Amendment
• LGBTQIA Rights - I’m onboard, as long as religious rights are kept in balance
• Worker’s Rights - I’m onboard, again, balanced along with keeping a healthy economy
• Civil Rights - I’m onboard
• Disability Rights - I’m onboard
• Immigrant Rights - I’m onboard
• Environmental Justice - I’m onboard, as long as we collaborate to find ways to help the environment while keeping businesses viable

And, of course,

• Reproductive Rights - and this is where I fall off the collective uterine soapbox.

Specifically, the site states the following:  “This means open access to safe, legal, affordable abortion and birth control for all people, regardless of income, location or education.“  The march itself is sponsored by and partnered with groups such as Panned Parenthood, #VoteProChoice, Emily’s List and NARAL Pro-Choice America.  Of the speakers, a couple of names popped out as extremely vocal pro-choice advocates.

Essentially, this morning’s activities will be, in part, to promote state funded abortion.  I can’t support this agenda at any level.  I’m not asking you to agree with me, just respect the fact that I have a respect for all life.  

There are so many other issues that I’m on board with here.  I’d like to be able to help give voice to help our communities move forward in a positive direction.  Maybe if abortion was a small slice of the overall agenda, maybe not so big of a deal to join in.  However, most feminist groups (and people) I’ve come across, seem to place “reproductive rights” as a cornerstone issue.  As a matter of fact, it’s the second issue listed in the march’s Unity Principles.

What would happen if I showed up today in a (possibly) emotionally charged situation and started a conversation about being pro-life?  Would I have been welcomed?  Should I have tried it?  In my experience, I often get shut down when the conversation starts, sometimes with hostility.

I’m not much on drama.  I've gotten to the point where I don't really talk about it much in public, face to face.  I just don't want to be attacked.  Instead, I spend my time helping with pro-life organizations, prayer and donations.

With discretion being the better part of valor, I decided it was best NOT to attend any of these marches.  I’m not sure my voice would have been welcomed. And, there’s a certain level of hypocrisy to that.