From Draft NOtices, January-March 2021
The following is a slightly abridged version of an article that appeared in a special “Women and Militarism” issue of Draft NOtices, published in April 1986. It originally appeared in The Objector, a journal produced by the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors (disbanded in 2009). We are reprinting it now because of its relevance to Women’s History Month in March, and it raises points that are still important to consider as we face a real possibility that women will soon be required to register for any future draft.
A Feminist Perspective on Broadening the Anti-draft Movement
— Ann Wrixon, former staff member of the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
As a feminist I believe sexism is the model for all other oppressions. I am not satisfied, nor do I think it makes sense to let this issue take a back seat to others. This world view is frequently referred to as radical feminism. So as a feminist, in fact a radical feminist, many people are baffled as to why I work in the anti-draft movement, which appears to be mainly of concern to men. I think this is a dangerous misconception, however, that desperately needs to be corrected. I would like to take this time to examine how the draft directly affects women, and also the crucial links between this issue and other movements for social justice.
To begin with, women may actually be facing a draft in the not-too-distant future. In 1980 President Carter wanted to register women for the draft, but Congress rejected this. Over the past five years there have been repeated calls for a draft registration of health professionals (including women). Most recently, this past September, General Quinn, the Army Surgeon General, asked Congress to consider a peacetime draft registration of health professionals.
It is also easy to forget that although men usually wage war, women are frequently its victims. Women often serve in combat zones, as health professionals and other support personnel, and these units frequently suffer casualties. Also, both women and men are killed and injured when civilian populations become engulfed in a war (and women are often raped as well). It is important to remember that large numbers of women, as well as men, die in wars. A draft is used to support U.S. wars throughout the world.
Based on developments in the courts and the political views expressed by President-elect Biden and many members of his leadership circle, there is a strong possibility that draft registration could be adopted for women and imposed on them as early as 2022. Some members of Congress have promised to introduce the necessary legislation in 2021, and Joe Biden has indicated he favors it.
