I grew up surrounded in a religious environment that constantly told me abortion was wrong. They told me it was murder and only evil, dirty women got pregnant outside of marriage and they were going to hell. They also told me homosexuals were evil, dirty people going to hell and so were Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc. It seemed everyone who didn’t look like them and think like them was going to hell.
As I got older I started asking the most dangerous question: “Why?” For the life of me, I could never understand why God didn’t love everyone – regardless of their gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other of those characteristics that make us all different and unique individuals. That one little word – why – got me in a lot of trouble and forced me to the other side of the picket line. Suddenly, I was looking at the religious fanatics I had known all my life from the outside. And it was terrifying.
I was now a target. The Bible I had read and loved was being used as a weapon against me. They threatened my soul and then they threatened my life. But fear motivated me. By sixteen I was actively reading pro-choice and feminist literature. I was writing to my legislators and campaigning for comprehensive sex education. I helped young women around me find access to the reproductive and sexual health resources they needed. In college, I joined feminist organizations and promoted open and honest discussion about sexuality. I took action wherever possible and in any way I could to make sure my voice was always heard screaming for justice and respect. Women’s rights became my passion and my driving force. So, I suppose it is not a surprise I went to work for a reproductive and health services provider after college.
Though I should already know what they are capable of, I am still constantly surprised by the outrageousness of the religious protestors I see outside where I work. The other day, I saw one had brought a little girl who couldn’t be more than five-years-old. They had covered her mouth with red duct tape so she could be part of the protest. I was shocked and worried for the poor, little girl who didn’t know what she was being used for or why she had been gagged. But there was nothing I could do. I had to walk away from the little girl and leave her with those who had taped her mouth shut and hoped I would close mine.
But I haven’t and I won’t.
Through all of this, I continue to believe in a Higher Power. And whenever the extremists try to quote the Bible at me, I remember a passage they always seem to forget: Matthew 5:44 (NIV) “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Because no matter what they say: God loves women, too.
I am Dr. Tiller.
