Dear Silent Hypocrisy: If You’ve Ever Had an Abortion, Don’t Judge Single Mothers
Dear Silent Hypocrisy: If You’ve Ever Had an Abortion, Don’t Judge Single Mothers
In a world where judgment is often passed with alarming ease, one of the most distressing hypocrisies we face today is the condemnation of single mothers by those who have secretly chosen a different path. Let’s be clear: if you have ever had an abortion or sponsored one, then you have no moral standing to criticize or look down upon single mothers who made the courageous decision to keep their child. It’s time to confront this issue head-on.
The reality of abortion is one that many choose not to discuss openly. Some women make the decision to terminate a pregnancy for reasons known only to them—perhaps due to fear, pressure, or circumstances they felt were insurmountable. It is a personal choice, often made in silence and with a heavy heart. However, the fact remains that abortion is the ending of a potential life. It’s a decision that has profound implications, and for many, it is not made lightly.
On the other hand, single mothers face their own set of challenges. They have made the decision to bring life into this world, knowing that the journey ahead will be fraught with difficulties. Whether by choice or circumstance, they’ve chosen to shoulder the responsibility of raising a child, often alone. It’s a path that requires immense strength, sacrifice, and resilience.
Yet, in our society, single mothers are frequently subjected to judgment and stigma. They are criticized for their choices, labeled as irresponsible, or seen as burdens on society. But what is truly perplexing and disturbing is when this judgment comes from those who have had abortions. This is where the hypocrisy lies.
To those who have had an abortion: your choice was yours to make. But just as you expect understanding, compassion, and respect for your decision, single mothers deserve the same. You cannot sit in judgment of a woman who chose to bring her child into the world when you chose to end your pregnancy. You cannot claim moral superiority over a woman who, despite all odds, decided to raise her child. To do so is to ignore the gravity of your own choice and to undermine the courage it takes to be a single mother.
Let’s be clear: this is not about shaming those who have had abortions. It is about calling out the hypocrisy of those who believe that their decision to terminate a pregnancy somehow places them in a position to judge single mothers. It doesn’t. If anything, it should be a reminder of the complexities of life and the difficult choices women face.
Single mothers deserve respect, not condemnation. They deserve support, not judgment. They are raising the next generation, often with little to no help, and they do so with a strength that should be celebrated, not criticized. So, the next time a single mother speaks about her experience, listen. Offer her support. And if you’ve ever had an abortion, remember this: her choice to keep her child does not make her lesser than you. In fact, it makes her a mother, a role that is deserving of the highest respect.
In life, let us all strive to be more compassionate and less judgmental. Let us recognize the bravery it takes to be a single mother and the complexities surrounding the choice of abortion. And above all, let us remember that no one is in a position to cast the first stone, especially if they themselves have made choices that carry their own moral weight.
My name is Duru Eunice Adaku and I am a single mother #globalphotographer
