An all-female parliament sat in silence until the sound of jazz emerged from the massive black speakers along the brown walls partially covered by yellow curtains. A love song without vocals reminded the diverse group of women what they lived for: peaceful inclusion. Words had mobilized troops on battlefields and started never-ending conflict. The voice was an instrument that aided the enemy. These sisters sat on different sides of the ideological fence. Yet, they were welcoming. They showed gracious hospitality. White picket fences represented a division of responsibility. I watered the grass on my lawn and let you tend to your property. Possession of property was not a reason for unnecessary competition.
Here in this law-making body, papers rustled. The women scribbled notes on legislation, like adding commentary to the Torah. They had survived periodic wars – braved a world divided into us and them, but vowed not to utilize violence to advance their agenda.
Then, the music faded and the president stood to her feet in bright pink low-heeled shoes on a beige carpet. She stood erect behind a mahogany podium. She spoke into the microphone and ushered in the next order of business. An ocean of women, who had been silent too long, made waves in politics. Their voices crashed upon new shores of legislation. A ululation sparked thunderous applause. One-third of the women covered their hair in an array of red, white, or black headscarves. A few leaders ran their delicate fingers through their eye-catching curls. The president wore a traditional netela with shimmering gold designs along the edge. She exposed her hairline while showing modesty. She spoke with compassion.
“My mother was a victim of rape. She gave birth to me despite the reminder of the tragedy that befell her. I owe her my life.”
The debate ensued on whether abortion should be legal. The room was essentially divided in half. A near-majority of delegates favored autonomy – a person’s right to control their own body and choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy to full-term. The battle over abortion took weeks to resolve. Some members of parliament were overly sentimental and idealistic; they wiped away real tears over the fear of the loss of a child. In a perfect world, the need or desire for abortion would not exist. It was a grave concern. However, many people felt the government had no right to limit privacy or impose morals on women, some of whom suffered greatly in the process of giving birth.
These days of debate stressed the governing body. They knew the impact their decision would have. In the end, abortion became permissible. Not a desirable outcome, but one that offered the most freedom to everyday women caught in a serious dilemma.
The president gulped as she read aloud the decision of the law-making body. It felt like an early death. May God have pity on those souls who never see the light of day.
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