“Girls become lovers who turn into mothers.”

(Via Pinterest)

My first niece (whom I will call “Z”) was due last Tuesday, but still hasn’t made her appearance.  We are all very (impatiently) excited for Z’s arrival, but in the interim the pregnancy has gotten increasingly uncomfortable for my l’il sis.  Birth would be a nice Mother’s Day gift; she is very ready to not be pregnant.

I have four siblings, and this is the first time any of us has been expecting.  My sister has told me a lot about this new experience and how it has affected her body and her daily routine; indeed, though she is also pro-life, my sister has previously written about how being pregnant has given her a new understanding of the bodily integrity argument.

Even for women who plan to get pregnant, the myriad of physical and emotional side effects of pregnancy can make the whole process difficult and intimidating.  Watching my sister go through this process has given me a whole new appreciation for the courage and endurance of women who choose life, particularly women with unplanned or crisis pregnancies.

To all of the women who made the choice, particularly under difficult circumstances, to embrace motherhood: we salute you.  Happy Mother’s Day!