Change the lens, view your body as a gift, writes reader

To the editor:

In response to the Nov. 28 “woman’s body belongs to her alone” letter, I suggest a change of lens. 

Let’s stick to nature. Did you ask to exist? Nobody did. Existence is a gift. Now in some cases, that existence was brought about by horrible circumstances. But the life still exists.

How can we see the body as property? I believe we dealt with the issue of human beings as property early in our country’s history. Can’t you see this attitude is the cause of horrors such as war, rape, murder of innocents, etc.? When we view the body as property, rather than seeing the person, it can be used for any purpose whatsoever. We need to view the body with reverence and respect. Comparing the human body to guns or homes is illogical.

“Enslaved by motherhood” sounds like a hatred for the ability to reproduce. When fertilization occurs, that zygote some call a blob or tissue will eventually become a human being under the right conditions. That’s incredible. If you see motherhood as enslavement, don’t engage in the act designed for reproduction. Horrible circumstances sometimes occur in the sexual act, but it is because of the attitude of the body as property. 

Yes, raising children is time-consuming, sacrificial and hard. I know. I am a mother. But that is called authentic love, not enslavement. Maybe a call to generosity for those overwhelmed by motherhood is in order.

Try to see the body as gift, not property. Change the lens.

Sandy Bast

Oakville