What means this word “women”?
The National Network of Abortion Funds has joined the hot new trend to refuse ever to mention the set of people formerly known as “women.” This seems perverse in an organization whose issue is abortion.
From their About page:
MISSION
THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS BUILDS POWER WITH MEMBERS TO REMOVE FINANCIAL AND LOGISTICAL BARRIERS TO ABORTION ACCESS BY CENTERING PEOPLE WHO HAVE ABORTIONS AND ORGANIZING AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF RACIAL, ECONOMIC, AND REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE.
VISION
WE ENVISION A WORLD WHERE EVERY REPRODUCTIVE DECISION, INCLUDING ABORTION, TAKES PLACE IN THRIVING COMMUNITIES THAT ARE SAFE, PEACEFUL, AND AFFORDABLE. WE ENVISION A WORLD WHERE ALL PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER AND RESOURCES TO CARE FOR AND AFFIRM THEIR BODIES, IDENTITIES, AND HEALTH FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES—IN ALL AREAS OF THEIR LIVES.VALUES
Intersectionality
NNAF recognizes the connections between systems of oppression. A comprehensive vision of justice for our communities must involve working towards economic, racial, gender, and reproductive justice.Autonomy
Every person has the non-negotiable human right to determine whether, when, and how to create family. People deserve unrestricted access to the rights, information, and resources to care for themselves and their families.Collective Power
NNAF is determined to build a base of shared power from the ground while standing alongside other movements in solidarity. People who are most directly and disproportionately impacted by structural barriers are the best architects of solutions that center their voices, experiences, and leadership.Compassion
NNAF advocates for a reduction of shame and an increase in compassion for people as they navigate life. Reproductive coercion, burdens, and barriers to reproductive healthcare are all forms of violence.
I have yet to find a single appearance of the word “women.”
This is not ok. No other oppressed group would stand for this, or be expected to stand for it. It’s only women who are expected to put up with being dropped from discussions and groups even on their own issues. It’s so unbelievably insulting and yet people who yap about “intersectionality” and “centering” go ahead and erase women.
What does it mean to “care for” your “identity”?
And some of these substitute phrases they use are not helpful to the cause. They’re vague and confusing at best, and counterproductive at worst.
“People who have abortions” is a bad phrase for an abortion rights group to use. It feeds into the anti-choice narrative that having an abortion brands you as a certain type of person: evil/slutty/damaged/etc.
“Every person has the non-negotiable human right to determine whether, when, and how to create family” makes me wonder if this isn’t an MRA group, demanding that men (oh, sorry, “sperm providers”) get a say in whether an abortion takes place or not.
That is crap wording, isn’t it. Abortion isn’t necessarily about whether or not one wants to “create family.” It’s about whether a woman wants to remain pregnant. Making it about family-creation does obscure that, and subordinate the woman to the family…which is where all this shit comes from in the first place.
Jesus fucking CHRIST. I was just thinking about re-directing my Planned Parenthood donations to them, for this very reason. God *damn* this whole thing.
I’ve just sent them a comment about this, after receiving one of their mailers and considering donating. I’m afraid that soon there won’t be any organization formerly for women that will dare to mention the w-word.
Josh – send you donations to the Women’s Medical Fund in Wisconsin…at this point, they still say they are there to help women and girls who are seeking abortions
http://wmfwisconsin.org/
It was started by Anne Nicol Gaylor, who also started the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Thank you so much for that recommendation, iknklast.
@Ben
I know, right? And what does it mean to “affirm” your health? I hate this sort of meaningless feelybabble.