Reproductive Justice: Roe Vs Wade

Hello friends and allies!

Communications Director Ashleigh here. Today it feels really important to speak our truths, to share from the heart, and to let you know that there’s a real person behind our social media and emails!

If you are anything like me, today is a difficult day. Today is a day full of emotions, tears, and fears being realized. Although today’s decision by the Supreme Court in the United States does not come as a surprise it doesn’t necessarily make it any easier; the realization that our uteruses are once again being regulated by the government rather than by our own bodily autonomy is an incredibly difficult thing to wake up to. And, this is where we start taking action.

I wanted to share a bit about my day today because it’s likely similar to what you have experienced:

This morning, sitting on the couch with my 8-year-old child, the decision came down and became breaking news immediately. I started crying. The fear of what will come to pass, the number of people who have lost bodily autonomy, the trauma, infections, and deaths that will result from unsafe abortions. It is a lot to contend with at 8 a.m.

I’ve spent 15 years working for Options for Sexual Health, and I’m also the Board Chair of a local abortion clinic because this is much more than my job, this is my passion. To say this hit me hard is an understatement.

My child asked why I was crying, and I explained what this means and the impacts it could have. I stressed the fact that people with uteruses no longer have the legal right to make decisions about their bodies (thankfully I didn’t have to explain what an abortion is because he already knows, and supports the right to choose!). His response was so poignant: “The US is one messed up country."

And after a few more tears, I had to do what I always do: make breakfast, take my kiddo to school, and start work. The world didn’t stop spinning, and my phone continued to blow up with messages about sports, about school, about everything else that is life. It was a bit surreal to be standing at the stove making pancakes while the bottom felt like it was falling out of my world. Then came the realization of it all: we keep going. We don’t let this destroy us, we take this opportunity to impact change.

So from one pissed off reproductive justice advocate to another I just wanted to let you know: it’s okay to not be okay; it’s okay to have really big feelings happening; it’s also okay to not let this demoralize us or take away our humanity; it’s okay to be angry; and, it’s okay to step into action.

The website www.ReproductiveJustice.ca is now up and the collaborative manifesto is one that we hope you all read and join us in taking action.

In solidarity, with love, and care,
Ashleigh
Communications Director for Options For Sexual Health