How to Talk About the Texas Abortion Law
A new Texas law, which bans abortion at 6 weeks (before most women even realize they’re pregnant or have missed a period) officially took effect on Sept. 1.
Abortion has always been a topic people find incredibly difficult to discuss because the reasons associated with their positions are determined by ideas and thoughts that seem to leave little room for mutual agreement. These conversations become a zero-sum game, where a person believes they are right and opposing opinions are wrong.
To help, here are a few questions to consider asking yourself before engaging in this and related difficult topics:
What are my thoughts about this topic (i.e., abortion)?
How were my opinions formed?
Who or what influenced my thoughts about the topic?
How can I look at this differently?
How do I engage others without being judgmental to build a higher level of understanding?
What are my triggers when discussing this topic?
How is my opinion serving me?
In what ways do my actions (related to the topic) impact others? Negatively? Positively?
How can I provide support to those impacted?
How willing am I to listen to views different than my own to understand and connect, not to debate or change minds?
What, if anything, would I need to hear or would need to be done to change my opinion?
How can I ensure I treat others respectfully when we disagree?
No matter your thoughts about other’s views about various topics, finding ways to build community is important…even when we disagree. We form opinions through our own lived experiences and how those experiences impact us individually and (in some cases) collectively.
What would happen if we demonstrated empathy - to truly understand another person’s worldview and experiences - as we navigate this world together?
✨Ask yourself the tough questions. Start with the truth and #talkaboutit.✨
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