Obama Gets It Right

While Republicans decide whether they will allow a woman to own her body or have access to birth control, Obama acknowledges that he doesn't have the right to decide for women.  That in itself is refreshing.  Here is what he had to say today, courtesy of HuffPo:

As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right.

While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue -- no matter what our views, we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant woman and mothers, reduce the need for abortion, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.

Obama gets it on many levels.  It's not about his personal beliefs, it's about the right of a person to make medical decisions.  The reality is, our bodies should not be held hostage to the beliefs of someone else.  But that's not all, it's about education, preventing those unwanted pregnancies in the first place so abortions are not necessary.  We can help promote adoption when it's a good option.  It's all about choices, and in this case, protecting them.

Obama isn't afraid to come out and openly support women, and I am so grateful to him for that.  It's a risky move for him, but I admire him for having the strength to speak when many would have remained silent.  He has come out in open support of fair wages for women.  He has demonstrated his respect for women not just through his words, but his actions.

Thanks, O.  We got you in in 2012.