cinco.

It’s McHappy Day.  I find it strange and unfortunate because this morning a girl I used to manage when I worked in retail aborted her baby.  Here, eat a Happy Meal, yay, we’re helping sick kids.  I don’t know why it bothers me so much that the days fall on the same Cinco de Mayo.  But every time I hear an ad, see an ad for this event at McDonald’s, it reminds me of this girl I know and her baby who died this morning.

I spent my night texting back and forth with her, trying to be understanding and patient and kind, while fighting to shed some light on what this really means.  She doesn’t seem to understand that her baby’s heart has been beating for 6 weeks.  That all the organs a grown adult has are growing in her baby right now.  All the new things a human needs have begun, and this baby has a little bit of all of them.  Toes.  Brain.  Sex.  Heart.

My main issue with the abortion debate in this country is the lack of education.  We as Canadians are all about our citizens’ rights and freedoms.  I have a right to know exactly what’s going on when I enter into surgery.  In fact, my doctor has to tell me, under law, so I understand every little thing that’s going to go on in any type of procedure.  I have to sign a contract, saying I understand.  I had to sign something the other day saying I probably didn’t need this part of the appointment, but if I did, it was ok for the doctor to do that.  I had to consent on paper to something that never even happened.  But there is a whole vat of ignorance on the abortion procedure.  Yet anyone can have an opinion on it.  One I hear often is "I wouldn’t do it, but I think women should have the right to choose."  This is not something I can wrap my head around. 

We’ve become a society of no consequences.  Yes, life is hard.  Yes, a baby is a lot of work.  But there are people waiting to love and care for a baby that you can’t provide for.  There are programs and shelters and all sorts of groups who are willing to help and have made it their mission to help you succeed.

She said the father wouldn’t allow someone else to raise their baby.  But she’s not ready to be a mom.  And her home life is no place for a child.  I said I would adopt him or her.  And I meant it.  I don’t have much money, but I have a good family and friends and a whole lot of love.

But she had her abortion this morning.  And I was sitting at my desk at work, making money, organizing sponsorships and a photographer to be at this event, or entertainment at another.  I feel sick and I feel helpless.  And this kind of thing happens every day.