Mother's Day is an opportunity to affirm the respect for and value of each woman's contribution to our society. The role of violence When discussing an issue that affects women, violence is a topic which must also be addressed. Violence against women forces women to leave their homes, children and families. Rape can result in pregnancy. Many women may stay with an abusive partner to give their children a home and a family, and many women will leave everything to secure the safety of their children.
Women make choices all the time.
No woman should be forced to feel guilty for her choices, should she have to leave her home, decide to keep her baby, have to decide to terminate a pregnancy or give her baby the opportunity to be adopted. For many, Mother's Day will be a mixed bag of celebration and sadness, a time when support and sensitivity is needed. Fiona Kyck coordinates AIDS Project Los Angeles' Women's Services Program.