Sometimes it is helpful to talk about these things for ourselves about our life experiences, and at the same time we can help others to understand.  I think you did really well with this issue.  It has never been an easy issue to talk about on the board.  There are times when I have just sat here and read some posts and wanted to comment so much---but known it would attract me no end of flack.  At the end of the day, I think that you have to stand up for what you beleive in and be counted.  I read "Anonymous's" post this morning and I filled up (old english term for welling up and not seeing straight for tears)--and I am so far from being affected from all this it is just not true.  Guess that's why I have posted most recently.  I just want to see this topic discussed more facutally on the board and coming from both ends of the spectrum---but without the animosity---so that parents can actually learn about the intricacies about it--no matter how detailed---and not feel it is too personal to discuss and learn about.  Many parents have took both paths that frequent this board so I feel that if we learn from eachother that we all have different but valid views, and do not get personal---we can share these things for newcomers who can decide without it becoming a battlefield. 

Probably all of us have had things happen that greatly affected our lives and I think sometimes the make us stronger as individuals and more valuable as a source of support to other's---because of our experiences.

Thanks for sharing with us all again, and that is extended to "All Women" that posted---anonymous or opposed to eachother or otherwise.  We can learn from this and move on to a better think tank on this delicate issue? 

JH