Dear editor:
David Rivas got one thing correct in his latest letter. I am a
feminist. Feminism is defined as a belief in the social, political,
and economic equality of the sexes.
Dear editor:
David Rivas got one thing correct in his latest letter. I am a feminist. Feminism is defined as a belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. From reading Mr. Rivas’ letter, one would think that he is taking glee in outing me. I am left scratching my head over why anyone would find belief in equality of the sexes unusual.
Everything else he writes is muddled at best. I did attack Mr. Kaeini’s opinion on birth control and I stand by my words. I never said anything about casual sex and my defense of birth control is written with women in committed relationships in mind. I think the main difference between Mr. Rivas and me is that I don’t believe the sole purpose of sex is procreation. I don’t believe that women should only have sex when they are able to “say yes” to giving birth. I don’t appreciate Mr. Rivas’ characterization of rape either. Maybe it doesn’t mean much to him, since he can’t defend “natural family planning” for rape victims, but it means a lot to the more than 700 women each day who are sexually assaulted. Rape victims should not be expected to “say yes” to a pregnancy resulting from their abuse. While recounting the story of the virgin birth is novel, it is not really applicable to this discussion unless you are ready to enlighten us all with a list of virgins who are currently confronted with unplanned pregnancies.
I don’t subscribe to the notion that men have broad sexual freedom and women are demanding the same. Men and women are equally responsible for making their choices. I don’t see it as “male bashing” to ask you to let me be the one who decides what to do with my womb. I promise you, I will never try to dictate what any man should do regarding his prostate.
The fact that the Rivas family didn’t personally experience “a perfect time” to have a child doesn’t mean anything to everyone else on the planet. Women must have the right to decide to have children when they are physically, mentally, emotionally and financially able to give birth. There are bound to be pregnancies which are unplanned which turn out to be blessings, but not every unplanned pregnancy will go well. When it comes to having sex or having children, it is best to be prepared.
Denise Baer Apuzzo
Submitted Aug. 11, 2004
