My body. My choice. My life. As a woman and a citizen of the U.S., I want to know that I can make my decisions based on what I feel is right for me. I stand for equality, and every man has the right to decide what is best for his body, so why are women not given the same control?

In early May, a law was passed in the state of Alabama stating that all abortions are illegal — including rape and incest pregnancies — and the consequence for giving or receiving this action is jail.

Twenty-five white male senators voted for the law to be put into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. No man — or person for that matter — should have the right to decide what happens in another human’s body. It is not just Alabama — several states are working to enact a similar law, and this could evolve into a nationwide ban of abortion.

The U.S. is a better place to live than most; people from all over the world come to escape persecution or create a better future for themselves. Even from the earliest times America was a place to start over. Those 25 senators are taking away women’s privacy and right to start over. We are “The land of the free” according to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Being pro-life is one thing, and I am all for owning your opinion, as long as it doesn’t affect mine. I believe that there are times to be pro-life and times to be pro-choice. When a woman is forced into a sexual scenario, carry an unwanted child and put herself through labor is an exhausting process just to give a child up for adoption.

Most people are not really pro-life because they are taking away the freedom of someone who is already living. These people are pro birth, not pro people.

Death of a child is terrible, but so is violating someone’s body. Rape is a horrid thing and should not happen, but it does. In 1973, Roe vs. Wade re-enforced the 14th Amendment stating women have “the right to privacy” which includes the right to abortion.

States including Kentucky and Ohio have something called a “heartbeat” law, which states that an abortion is only legal until a baby has a fetal heartbeat — which can happen as early as five to six weeks. Most women don’t even know they’re pregnant at six weeks, but they at least have an option. I don’t at all agree with this law, but Alabama has gone to far.

This law needs to change. Speak up. If you are against this law, let your state representatives know. Share your opinion on social media. One thousand likes is not the same as 1,000 reposts. Make a difference before your thoughts and feelings toward the situation are suppressed by someone else’s.