To whom it may concern,

It’s funny how Phil Schurrer claims that women are selfish for having abortions, and how they are ruining our consumer economy [referring to the column, “Having children has gone out of fashion”].

What he clearly does not understand is how the vast majority of women have abortions because they cannot financially afford a child.

For many women, having an abortion is the most financially responsible action they could take. I empathize with this notion, along with many other college students, understanding what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck.

I could not imagine being able to support a child in this point in my life. Contrary to popular belief, women are not baby factories that spit out children for the better of the economy. We have dreams, aspirations, and our own lives to think about.

If generalizations about women who have abortions being selfish make you mad, come rally with FORCE, the Feminist Organization Raising Consciousness and Empowerment on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in front of the Union from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. We will be conducting a demonstration— handing out free condoms, information about birth control and recruiting for new members.

Take action in your community to fight for reproductive justice. Fight the stigma that conservatives put on women who choose abortion.

— Alexandra Lahey,

Senior