| |
The
Feminist Principle of Choice
The feminist principle of choice is central to the mandate
of equality-seeking organizations. It underlies both the work that we
do and the way that we do it. Understanding the meaning of choice and
how it informs our organization’s work strengthens the collective
women’s movement.
The principle
of choice means that we respect, support and advocate for women’s
individual and collective right to make our own decisions about our
bodies, our families, our jobs and our lives. The right to choose is
integral to the feminist pursuit of social, legal, political, economic
and cultural equality for women.
A common association
between the word “choice” and feminism is that of having a pro-choice
position on reproduction. Pro-choice is often misrepresented or misinterpreted
as only meaning “pro-abortion.” Pro-choice means that we respect
and support whatever choice a woman makes regarding her body (i.e., sexuality,
pregnancy and reproduction), whether it is to have an abortion, go through
with a pregnancy, give a baby up for adoption, or raise a child. Feminist
organizations support women who decide that having an abortion is best
for them in the same way we support women who make different choices for
different reasons. Our equality-seeking work is about ensuring our right
to make our own choices as women about sex and sexuality, as well as the
right to choose our own sexual partners. It is also about advocating for
women’s right to safe, affordable, effective birth control, and respecting
our decision as to whether to have children or not.
“To
end a pregnancy or carry a pregnancy to term is a basic choice;
women must be supported in that right and society must be
challenged to provide the services to assist women in making
that choice.”
~ Joyce
Hancock
|
Choice is often seen as a cornerstone of feminist principles, and as feminists
we are often challenged on its relevance. Rather than assume that in a
democracy women are simply free to choose, we need to examine the influences
and consequences of our choices at different stages in our lives. Choice
affects all areas of our lives as women. The right to choose is that which
enables us to decide whether or not to vote, attend a particular school,
live with a partner, get married, or become a parent. As women, we are
excluded from full participation in traditional structures. This means
we cannot always access the services and resources to live comfortably,
participate in society, and feel we are respected and valued members of
the community. By its very nature, exclusion limits our choices as women,
for we are prevented from fully participating in the benefits of society.
The feminist principle of choice means all women have access to universal
rights and freedoms, as guaranteed by legislation and the Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms.
When we are new to
feminism, or we are re-evaluating our feminist principles and practices,
we may feel uneasy about some of the ideas associated with the principle
of choice. Perhaps we would not choose abortion if we become pregnant,
or cannot reconcile the idea of “family” with a lesbian couple
planning to adopt a child. As individual women, we are entitled to our
own beliefs and values, and to make choices we think are good for our
own lives . . . as are our mothers, neighbours, friends, coworkers, or
any other women. As individual women, we best understand the circumstances
in which we live, and are best able to make informed decisions accordingly.
Feminism means supporting the choices we make for ourselves, as well as
respecting the choices made by other women – even when we do not
personally agree with them.
As feminist members,
we must learn to become comfortable with our feminist principles and practices,
and conduct ourselves in ways that are helpful to the work and mandate
of our organizations. We each have a responsibility to support our organizations
within our communities, even if we do not feel comfortable speaking to
particular issues in a public setting. This may mean we defer to more
experienced peers on these issues, while taking leadership roles on issues
that we find more compatible.
All women should expect to be treated respectfully within a feminist organization,
whether we are lesbian, heterosexual or married, have many children or
none at all, have had an abortion, have chosen to use birth control, have
chosen to work or to stay at home. In turn, we have a responsibility to
always treat others with respect, openness and inclusion. This demonstrates
our commitment to feminism as our basis of unity.
|
Scenario
The Feminist Principle of Choice
Julie wants to join your women’s group. You explain to her
that this is an equality-seeking
organization based on feminist principles and practices. She tells
you that she supports all of the basic feminist beliefs, but strongly
feels that abortion is murder and life begins at conception.
-
Is there room in a feminist organization for Julie? Why or why
not?
-
Is there room in a leadership role (board, executive, committee
or council) for Julie? Why or
why not?
-
If Julie were a member of your pro-choice organization, how would
you assist her in feeling
comfortable, and challenge her understanding of choice for other
women?
|
|
Workshop
Questions
The Feminist Principle of Choice
- What does
choice mean to me as a woman? Has growing up female affected the
choices I have made? The choices that have been available to me?
- Where
do my beliefs about choice come from? How have they been shaped
and influenced?
- How are
my beliefs about choice as a woman similar to or different from
my understanding of choice as a feminist?
- What does
the principle of choice mean to our equality-seeking organization?
How can we agree to practice it in future?
|
source: PACSW
pdf document (requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader)
|
