As a volunteer at the Global Health Council Conference, I had the opportunity to peruse the booths of other global health orgs and reproductive health ones. Always a fan of Ipas (see our previous posts referencing Ipas), I stopped by their booth and grabbed some literature, plus the obligatory "I <3 Reproductive Rights" swag. Then I went stopped by their YouTube channel, and I strongly recommend you do the same, if for no other reason than the following -- take 30 seconds and watch*:
Think About It
I assume this was filmed in Brazil, which is great because it sheds light on the situation in a heavily- Catholic and anti country.
Did you finish? Good. Let's discuss.
I've always had this theory that people who are not intellectual/politically involved/generally thoughtful just regurgitate things that they are taught. I've spoken with lots of folks who, when asked to explain their views on certain subject, respond "just because". It's simple recitation. You can tell that the person has never truly considered what he/she believes, or why, but just believes so because they were taught so by mom, dad, Father Flynn, or whomever else. That's what I love about this spot; everyone has an automatic reaction to they way they feel about abortion, simply because it's against Catholic doctrine. But when asked to consider the morality of the issue, they're stumped!
Granted, this spot was probably edited to emphasize the point, but I can't imagine that this attitude is rare in Brazil or other Latin American countries. It's crazy! Especially considering the Brazilian government's commitment to health and relatively good health indicators. And the way they've managed the HIV epidemic is laudable. It's sad how religion trumps health/human rights. Those minor details.
ANYWAY. Please check out the channel for other videos and promotions. A treasure trove at your fingertips!
*(Clip also available in Spanish!)
Thanks, anti-anti! Thanks for stopping by the booth, and thanks for the shout-out. Yes, this was produced by our office in Brazil, where abortion is only legal in rare circumstances (rape and life endangerment), and yet where the (unsafe) procedure is as common as the (safe) procedure is here in the U.S. Sometimes just asking a question can be a provocative act.
ReplyDeleteI hope you got the I <3 Reproductive rights tote bag too!