Women across America now have a new way to stand up and voicetheir opinion.
Planned Parenthood is now a proud supporter of 33-year-old NewYork City writer and pro-choice activist Jennifer Baumgarnder andher bestselling “I had an Abortion” t-shirt.
“This is another way for pro-choice supporters to lend theirvoice towards the effort,” said Christina Kucera, director ofpublic affairs for Planned Parenthood for Louisiana and theMississippi Delta.
Planned Parenthood, an organization whose main mission is toserve and educate women about health issues, began theirrelationship with Baumgarnder in January on the 31st anniversary ofRoe vs. Wade, the definitive trial that made abortions legal in theUnited States for the entirety of a woman’s pregnancy.
“This t-shirt grew from a protest Baumgarnder organized, andbecause of its radical message and media coverage, it has sold outacross America,” Kucera said.
Baumgarnder organized a re-enactment of the Roe vs. Wade trialalong with the motto “I’m not Sorry Day” to help women come forwardand explain their decision to have an abortion.
Baumgarnder eventually will compile a documentary featuringwomen who had an abortion and explaining their reasons and opinionson the decision they made, Kucera confirmed.
But, while students across New York and Washington, D.C. proudlysport “I had an Abortion” t-shirts, University students may findthe message too liberal for Baton Rouge.
“Abortion is not a great thing,” Stephanie DeVay, a photographyjunior and pro-choice supporter said, “I support Planned Parenthoodand the things they do but that is crossing the line. It’s tooradical.”
The message on the shirt strikes an even deeper chord forpro-life activists and supporters. Jillian Long, research directorfor the Campaign Life Coalition, argues against the message impliedby Baumgardner’s shirts.
“Personally I think it is weird and grotesque,” Long said. “itis making light of a tough decision and is disrespectful of thosewho have had an abortion.”
Some University students are unable to recognize with Kucera’sexplanation of the abortion t-shirt, and are standing in unisonwith Long and her argument against it.
“Why don’t you just wear a t-shirt that says ‘I killed mybaby’?” Chad Schoonmaker, a dietetics sophomore and pro-lifesupporter, said. “I am completely for women’s empowerment, but thatis just crazy.”
But, where ever there is a right and a left opinion there isalways a group of individuals who will assume a moderateoutlook.
“I am surprised that a shirt like that would pass,” Lauren San,a psychology junior, said. “I am normally not a very judgmentalperson but these shirts will definitely be a conversationstarter.”
Campaign Life Coalition members are urging their supporters todirect their energies towards other aspects of abortion.
“The idea of this t-shirt is irrelevant for protesting, it’sfreedom of speech,” Long said. “I would hope that [pro-life]supporters would focus their time protesting abortion clinics andspeaking to women who are considering abortion as a way out of anunwanted pregnancy.”
Whether or not women choose to wear their decision proudlyacross their chest or counsel women who are faced with thisdecision, pro-choice supporters and members of Planned Parenthoodcontinue to encourage women not to live in shame of theirchoice.
“These shirts are to remind women that we should be grateful wehave the right to choose,” Kucera said.
“Abortion should not be cloaked in shame. This gives women theopportunity to support those who may have had an abortion withoutflying to D.C. and marching with millions of others.”