Caroline Lozano/Opinion Director
Last week, comedian Michelle Wolf made controversy when she joked about abortion in a segment on her Netflix comedy show, “The Break.”
In the segment, she discussed how abortion is basically “stopping a baby from happening” and went on to attack the pro-life movement, stating that “pro-life is a propaganda term that isn’t real.”
Wolf then ended the segment with a “salute to abortion” while donned in red, white, and blue and proclaimed to a cheering crowd that men will try to control women’s ability to give life.
Now, before I continue, I would like to mention that I am a firm supporter of the pro-life movement. I believe wholeheartedly that life begins at conception and should be protected at all stages.
However, I also understand the arguments presented by the pro-choice movement, as a former pro-choicer myself, and know for a fact that Wolf’s celebratory attitude towards abortion does not reflect the views of either side.
It was highly disturbing to watch Wolf attempt to downplay abortion as something as simple as ordering food, as seen when she stated on the segment that it should be “on the dollar menu at McDonald’s.”
By watering down the act of abortion, Wolf blatantly ignores the complexities and consequences that surround it, including the testimonies of survivors and countless women who’ve regretted undergoing the procedure.
Being pro-choice, to my understanding, does not actually mean supporters should celebrate tor downplay the act of abortion — rather, it is about celebrating women’s choice.
Also, her assertion that supporters of the pro-life movement are uncaring and “anti-woman” could not be any more flawed.
The pro-life movement wants the best for both the mother and child. It is made up of hard-working people from all backgrounds who believe in the right to life. It is not some patriarchal conspiracy to control women, despite the constant insistence that it is.
The arguments presented on Wolf’s tasteless and ignorant segment will only hurt her in the end.
Whether you’re pro-choice or pro-life, abortion should not be seen as a sacrament or a badge of honor. It should not be a cause for celebration nor should it be viewed as a form of female empowerment.
It’s a very serious act that ends with the termination of a human life. It’s morally detestable. No amount of jokes, puns, and dishonest statements from Wolf or those who agree with her will ever change this.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
Photo taken from Flickr.
About Post Author
