'What about my life?': twelve-year-old speaks out against West Virginia abortion ban

Addison Gardner, 12, has testified in West Virginia's legislature in opposition to the state's new abortion law, which would ban abortions even in cases of rape or incest.

The middle schooler asked lawmakers: 'If a man decides that I’m an object, and does unspeakable, tragic things to me, am I, a child, supposed to carry and birth another child?'

She then urged the legislature to reconsider, saying: 'Some here say they are pro-life. What about my life? Does my life not matter to you?'

Rita Ray, an 80-year -old woman who had an abortion in 1959, 14 years before terminations were deemed a constitutional right, looked on as Gardner spoke

The Guardian on YouTube:

[sassiehealzyo]

Based on the comments, this girl is too young to be talking about this while at the same time, old enough to become a mother. Hmm...Interesting.

[lme]

We wouldn’t allow a 12 year old girl to adopt a child, so why would we force one to remain pregnant and give birth against her will?

[kyleemeg]

Pro-life people will claim she’s too young to be talking about this…. But somehow she’s old enough to give birth and become a mother?

[AL-wntt]

No child should be abused, imprison the perpetrator.

[pamir]

To all the people angry about a 12 y.o. talking about this issue: You think that if she got pregnant(which she definitely can at that age) she should be forced to suffer through birth and take care of a human child, but she shouldn't be able to talk about this issue because she is too young.

[boylamont]

It’s funny how conservatives are so disturbed by a 12 year old speaking on this, but those same people are voting for people who pass the policies that are the reason she is at the most risk of ruining her life.

[The_g_string_lover]

No 12 year old should have to go through child birth.

[InuMiroLover]

The Legislature: "This child shouldnt be here! She's needs to stay a child and stay out of grown folk's business!"
Same Legislature: "A 12 year old child is perfectly capable of being pregnant and being a mother!"

[HufflePuff-vxls]

And this is my argument against pro-lifers. They always talk about women ‘sleeping around’ and fail to remember the ones who were forced to do so.

[AllAcacia]

Those against the 12y/o in the video are missing the fact that she isn't even a teenager and would have the rest of her adolescence ruined by a choice set by much older people. She wouldn't be able to vote against it for years to come, and she's speaking out about this now. Religion or age-old conservative values shouldn't be used to justify all the nonsense you are spouting. I wouldn't want my sister or cousins to be left out on a crucial decision and neither should you with yours

[Specogecko]

People who are “pro-life” fail to look at the reality of things. We don’t live in a perfect world.

[BobSmith-clrg]

It's absolute madness, what gives anyone the right to tell someone else how to live, its disgraceful on another level.

[laravioliiii]

Even if she does give the kid to adoption, premature birthing can really damage the body.







(Yes, I know the definition of Premature birth isn't that, but I mean a Minor giving birth)

[colinmoore]

Fyi, a 13 year-old has now given birth as a direct result of the abortion ban!

[But_I_am_a_Gilmore]

Child: "I want to adopt a baby!"
"No you’re too young"
"No you’re going to give birth to the baby abortion is illegal"

[jacquesdebruin]

There is a massive difference between late term abortion and taking medication a day after.

[ladyjayee]

You go sister. Exactly my point. My body my choice. END OF DISCUSSION.

[TheCertifiedLegend]

Republicans after banning abortion and healthcare without any restriction on gun laws
And then calls themselves Pro Life ✨✨✨

[emmab]

I might upset someone by saying this, but I will take the chance… From other countries we know that banning abortions doesn’t lead to fewer abortions. So what is the purpose of many US states going this way? What is the expectation?

[patrickpepper]

Thank you young lady for giving me hope for my home state. Sometimes all I see anymore in that state is racism and pure ignorance so you are refreshing.