Actor Mark Ruffalo Voices Support for Abortion Access; Says Illegal Abortions Are 'Shameful, Sleazy'
Actor Mark Ruffalo, known for such movies as "The Avengers" and "Shutter Island," recently spoke out in support of abortion by penning a letter posted on the pro-abortion website, Stop Patriarchy.
The letter, which was read at a rally outside of Mississippi's only abortion clinic earlier this week, discusses his mother, Marie Rose Ruffalo, who had an illegal abortion because she lived in a state where the practice was not permitted.
Ruffalo writes that when his mother was very young she chose to have an illegal abortion costing $600, an experience which he described as "traumatizing […], shameful, sleazy and demeaning," adding, "My mother's illegal abortion marked a time in America that we have worked long and hard to leave behind."
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"It was a time when women were seen as second-rate citizens who were not smart enough, nor responsible enough, nor capable enough to make decisions about their lives. It was a time that deserved to be left behind, and leave it behind we did, or so it seemed," Ruffalo continued.
"I actually trust the women I know. I trust them with their choices, I trust them with their bodies and I trust them with their children. I trust that they are decent enough and wise enough and worthy enough to carry the right of Abortion and not be forced to criminally exercise that Right at the risk of death or jail time," Ruffalo added.
The actor, 45, goes on to encourage all those who support abortion to voice their opposition to legislation which would restrict abortion in the country. Ruffalo's letter was read aloud at protests in front of the last Mississippi abortion clinic, Jackson Women's Health Organization, which may be closed down due to the state's law which requires all doctors at abortion facilities to have admitting privileges at a local hospital.
Ruffalo's statement contrasts with comments made by other pro-life celebrities, including recent comments made by Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson clan on the A&E reality show "Duck Dynasty."
Recently, a video of Robertson surfaced showing the evangelical Christian speaking about the importance of pro-life. Robertson, who appears to be speaking at an event, tells the crowd: "Listen, from the time you started inside your mother's womb, Thomas Jefferson had it right, you have the God-given right to live."
Other celebrities who have publically announced they are pro-life include NFL star Tim Tebow, actor Jack Nicholson, singer Justin Bieber, actor Martin Sheen ,and singer Kenny Chesney, among others.
