Taking Away a Woman’s Right to Choose is a Form of Violence

Dear Men, 

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade speaks directly to the harmful parts of male socialization that have plagued women for centuries. The audacity to feel that we, as men, have the right to tell women what to do with their bodies comes from the collective socialization viewing women as having less value than men, as objects, and as the property of men. This means we can make decisions on their behalf because we think we know what’s best for them, resulting in their denigration and dehumanization.

Less value, property, and objectification are the key aspects of male socialization that create the fertile ground for violence against all women and girls. For men to take away a woman’s right to choose so comfortably is disrespectful to humanity in and of itself. A Call to Men defines taking away a woman’s right to choose as a form of violence. The effects of the violence are intensified in the lives of Black, Brown, rural, and financially poor women who already have high maternal mortality rates, poor access to health care, and lack of appropriate reproductive education. 

Join us in taking action to build a healthier, safer, more respectful world for women and all people by resisting patriarchy. At this time, we need a collective and critical mass of men to challenge those who consistently make decisions that negatively impact and encroach on the rights of women. A woman’s right to choose is not just a woman’s issue. We are talking about our humanity, and that makes it all of our issue. As men, we have a responsibility and a role to be at the table to honor and advocate for the full humanity of all women, girls, and those at the margins of the margins. It’s time for men to be a part of the solution in ending all forms of violence. Today we are challenging men to step up. We are challenging men to exercise their voices. If you don’t know what to say, it’s time to develop a voice. As men, we must be staunch advocates for women and do so unapologetically. Let’s all stand tall in our aspiring and practicing allyship.

We’ve been on the sidelines too long. 

Tony Porter

A Call to Men