Why I Voted for Trump as a Woman With a Disability

I’m a definite minority in so many ways on a daily basis. But when it comes to politics, I often feel like a minority even within the disability community. I’m a woman who has cerebral palsy, and I am pleased that Donald Trump won the election. In fact, I’m thrilled about the inauguration while most of my friends with disabilities are disappointed. I’m confused why there is a disconnect in our reasonings, but I will continue educating others why I disagree with them.

I’m a fan of truth and facts. I don’t usually use my emotions on important issues to make decisions. I feel the mainstream media has often been swayed to give their information from only one point of view. Trump has called out the mainstream media, and I agree with his views about them.

I’m proud to say I am a single-issue voter because the issue is that important to me as someone who has a disability. I am against abortion, and I believe every human being has a right to life. Most of my friends with disabilities believe abortion is a valid choice. As someone with a disability, I’m outraged about statistics showing 60-90% of babies with Down syndrome are aborted and that abortion of babies with disabilities is so common. If a baby is missing a hand, he or she can be aborted. Babies with Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, dwarfism and spina bifida are often aborted. Some pregnant women feel pressured into genetic testing, and abortion if a test leans towards the baby having a disability.

The numbers of babies with disabilities being aborted are horrifying to me. Yet it seems to me that most people with disabilities choose to ignore these statistics. Yes, a woman carries the baby within her body, but I believe the baby is a separate individual who has his or her own destiny. With greater technology, we can see the unborn baby in ways we couldn’t see before.

I agree with Trump that abortion is wrong to do for any reason but especially aborting based on gender and disabilities. Why do I seem so alone on this issue? Why aren’t more people with disabilities outraged? Having a disability doesn’t make our lives less meaningful, but it makes our lives more beautiful.

Lastly, I don’t believe Trump made fun of a reporter for his disability. I researched and saw Trump had made the exact same movements when talking about any reporter he wasn’t fond of and thought wasn’t factual. I thought it was interesting that other people with disabilities were angry over that but not at Hillary Clinton for opposing an Indiana law that bans abortions based on a disability. I really do not understand.

I don’t agree with everything Trump has done or said. However, in my opinion, the alternative doesn’t believe many of us with disabilities should be alive. So now, I’m hopeful about our future of our country. I don’t think we are going backwards but moving forward as a country that respects the dignity of life from any stage and any disability. I hope one day  I’m not a minority on these issues, but a majority.

Editor’s note: This story reflects an individual’s experience and is not an endorsement from The Mighty. We believe in sharing a variety of perspectives from our community.

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