Abortion is a hard topic to talk about, no matter who you are, what you believe in, or whether or not you’ve personally had one. But we need to talk about it, and most importantly, we need to listen.
This is precisely why Draw the Line is a breath of fresh air–it’s a campaign that advocates for reproductive freedom and provides a safe space for women from all walks of life to share their stories and support others to do the same.
As a way to help connect and educate others, Draw the Line has asked celebrity women to read the stories of other women who have had abortions. Jewish actress Elizabeth Banks recently participated in the campaign and shared the true story of Rebecca, who decided to have an abortion and turned to her best friend, who is against it.
READ: A Jewish Response to Abortion
While the stories obviously speak for themselves, having a familiar face narrate them can provide visibility, which brings attention to experiences many women face, and normalizes abortion as something that shouldn’t be seen as shameful, or reserved for women who are “irresponsible.” Women of every background choose to have abortions–moms, single women, teenagers, etc. It happened to me, which is why I’m so grateful an organization like this exists, because no one should struggle with this decision alone, or carry the burden of a secret in fear of being judged.
Rebecca’s story is completely heart-wrenching, but also incredibly inspiring, and shows a true testament to the strength support and sisterhood can have in times of struggle:
“And then I found out my birth control had failed. I knew I had to end the pregnancy…I told her I could not have my abuser’s baby. I did not want to create a life with such a hateful man.
What I remember most about my experience is how the women I love stepped up to support the decision I was choosing to make because the life they were most concerned about was mine.
The life they were most concerned about was mine. When you love someone, you want the best for them, and that means you would do anything to protect them from being forced to do something against their will.”
Watch Elizabeth Banks tell her story below–her portrayal is incredibly moving:
Elizabeth Banks Tells Rebecca’s StoryActress Elizabeth Banks shares the true story of Rebecca, a young woman who, upon deciding to have an abortion, turns to her best friend—who is against it. In our new series, The #DrawTheLine Monologues, top actresses bring much-needed attention to the diverse experiences women across the U.S. face when they make the very personal decision to end a pregnancy.Watch more: http://drawtheline.org/FB
Posted by Center for Reproductive Rights on Wednesday, January 20, 2016
