By Nina M.

November 11th is Veterans Day, and as a veteran, I believe in bodily autonomy. 

Part of why I served is because I believe in freedom. That belief is why I support the right to bodily autonomy. Serving taught me that freedom comes with responsibility. It also showed me that life is complicated, circumstances matter, and the person living through something usually understands it best. That’s why I struggle to accept that politicians far removed from real life should make such personal and important decisions for others.

You might have strong beliefs about abortion. You might think it’s wrong, choose never to have one, teach your kids your values, pray, protest, debate, or try to convince others. But there’s a difference between living by your ownbeliefs and using the government to force those beliefs on others. That difference matters to me.

I didn’t serve so everyone would have to live like me. I served because I believe people should be free to make their own choices.

That freedom includes women, non-binary people, and trans men.

Those facing pregnancies they never planned for.

Those facing serious medical issues.

Those who have survived rape.

Those who are already raising kids who know they can’t safely or affordably handle another pregnancy.

Those who have learned their pregnancy might not survive.

Those whose situations we may know nothing about.

And it includes those who simply feel they shouldn’t be forced to continue a pregnancy.

I don’t need to understand every decision to believe people deserve the freedom to make their own choices. That’s what choice means for me. It doesn’t mean abortion is always the right choice. It doesn’t mean there aren’t moral questions involved. It means I don’t think the government should force one answer on everyone, every family, or every situation.

Serving in the military taught me that freedom comes at a cost. That’s why I take it seriously.

I also know freedom means little if we defend it only when it’s easy or for people we agree with. I served so people could have a say in their own lives. I served for freedom. And I believe reproductive freedom is part of that, too. 

I’m a veteran. And yes, I’m pro-choice. Those beliefs don’t contradict each other. For me, these beliefs share the same principle. I served because I believe people deserve freedom, and I don’t think that freedom should end just because someone else doesn’t approve of your choice.