I already wrote about this topic a couple weeks ago, but in light of recent events, I feel compelled to address it again.

This past Friday, a man opened fire inside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, killing three people and injuring nine. The suspect, Robert Dear, was taken into custody after a six-hour standoff. His motives are still unclear but evidence suggests that the attack was politically instigated.

Recently, Planned Parenthood has faced intense political and social opposition after the release of a video that accused them of illegally selling fetal organs (which you can read about in my previous post). Since this incident, a couple of the organization’s buildings have been vandalized but the hate situation has obviously elevated in the past few weeks.

I am saddened by the extent that people will go to just to deprive women of their rights. How is shooting up an abortion clinic pro-life? The three innocent people who were killed were identified as a brave veteran, a police officer, and a beloved mother of two. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones and my thoughts will continue to be with all the families and loved ones who will be affected in the future by politically motivated domestic terrorism. This clearly has nothing to do with “pro-life” anymore; it’s just excessive, built up rage for no good reason.

Growing up as a minority in my small, conservative neighborhood, I learned a couple things about self-sustenance and feminism. I learned that the most important part of living for myself is being able to make a choice- my own choice, regardless of what anyone thinks. And I think that this principle should apply to all women, but it’s just a teensy bit difficult to be your own woman and make your own, empowered decisions when someone is literally holding a gun to your head.

Although I cannot personally understand the anti-abortion argument, I can respect it. But I don’t think anyone can possibly condone the radical measures taken in the recent shooting. This is not normal. It’s a crime against women and it needs to stop.

In my opinion, this also brings up the issue of gun control, which needs to be prioritized in this country. Right now, some government officials are up in arms about taking in innocent Syrian refugees and meanwhile, I need to consider wearing a bulletproof vest to receive medical attention at Planned Parenthood. Social responsibility? Not a trace.

The point of this column is not to criticize people who are against abortion, nor is it to force my opinion upon anyone else, as I respect rational arguments and believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am simply expressing my disappointment and frustration with the recent events and I implore people to put aside their social and political differences and just let women exercise their basic rights.

Commentaries are the expressed opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect that of The Fourcast staff, its adviser or any member of the Hockaday community.

– Neha Dronamraju – Staff Writer –