This blog is a response to: www.slate.com/id/2247172/

Too often slight disparities between two groups of are used as fuel for extremists to point out inferiorities in the opposing side. In America, race, more specifically Blacks and Whites, are exploited as main groups that define the polar nature of this country. Unfortunately, abortion is the not-so-new frontier in which the war is being fought. Moreover, abortion rates in the black community are being attributed to racist tactics rather than personal freedom.

The billboards say, “Black children are an endangered species.” To be honest, I agree with this claim, but as I read further, the foundation of this claim isn’t in line with my beliefs or many of my fellow reproductive health advocates. The authors of the TOO MANY ABORTED website (www.toomanyaborted.com) believe the high percentages of African American pregnancies that end in abortion are a conspiracy to exterminate the Black race. They argue that since the beginning of Planned Parenthood and Margaret Satcher’s eugenics campaign so aptly named the Negro Project, that Blacks were targeted for systematic eradication. The claims, however extreme, are supported by a number of heart-wrenching statistics. But anyone can twist statistics to favor their argument, a skill taught to high school students in any standard debate course. Their opinion against the organization Planned Parenthood is apparent, but it troubles me that they don’t recognize the contributions to society as a whole that this operation has put forth. The countless numbers of lives saved through education and prevention and their work for reproductive freedom.

Nevertheless, I am drawn to the other side of the debate in this article: that Blacks, especially of the male species, are endangered more so because of the environment rather than the choice of their mothers. Black children who are in existence presently are not being affected by abortion more than they are affected by gun violence. In 2007 alone, black suffered 49 percent of all homicides in the United States, although we made up only 13 percent of the total population of the United States. This startling percentage makes me ponder whether our focus should be on those who are not yet born while so many of our people lives are being taken in their prime.

I agree that every unborn child has potential, yet on that very note the mother’s potential is at risk as well. When there are so many living people at risk of an untimely death, shouldn’t the focus be on just that, the living. Is not just as important to care for the living as it is to insure a future for those who are on their way into the world? My decision is made, but for all of you: the choice is YOURS.