Theos-Talk Archives (October 1999 Message tl00022)

Grigor wrote:

>> She suggests researching it a bit more and/or contact any number of
>support
>> groups if you have been a victim.

I am pleased to hear that your granddaughter is an MD, a feminist, and an
OB midwife.  Good for her.  Her ability to become such is a rather recent
development in the history of humankind.  Her accomplishments honors the
memories of those who endured imprisonment, persecution, and death (both
male and female) in fighting for human rights.

However, while pursuing a minor in women's studies, my conclusion from
research is different from hers.  One of the reasons women died so early
was because they were forced into very early marriage; the earlier a female
body reproduces, the greater the incidence of complications and death.  I
am almost certain that your granddaughter would agree with the connection
between the two (youth and birth).  Therefore, forcing a teenage girl to
marry and give birth is, in my conclusion, a form of
spousal/societal/familial abuse.  Whether or not your granddaughter, you,
or others on this list will agree that early marriage, which, again, may
threaten the life of the female should conception occur, is spousal abuse
is another matter.  Neglect of children has yet to be classified as a form
of "child abuse" in the juvenile justice system - neglect, to me, is abuse,
but the justice system does not agree.  I am not surprised that what
consistutes abuse serves to divide many in debates.

And, no, I haven't been a "victim," of spousal abuse, although, among women
who have endured rape, abuse, and discrimination, the preferred term is
"survivor."

Kym