11/09/2024
Nothing changed on Wednesday and everything changed on Wednesday. No further restrictions (than those that already existed) were codified into law, but female bodies across the U.S. went into fight or flight mode nonetheless. The conversations I had with folks navigating their preconception process and IVF procedures last week were radically different this week. Tears flowed in ways they haven’t since June of 2022. Folks in Georgia who were eagerly awaiting a positive pregnancy test last week are fearful and reconsidering their plans this week. Another who suffers from endometriosis adhesions in her fallopian tubes is having to weigh the risks of a natural conception that could easily result in an ectopic pregnancy and risk her life, versus the chance that her IVF pregnancy (that already requires tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses) is not viable after 6 weeks and her doctor’s hands are tied, restricting medical care until it becomes life-saving.
Nothing changed on Wednesday and everything changed on Wednesday. The bodily awareness that one facet of life that was once protected could change overnight reared its ugly head. What starts as one restriction snowballs into inequity, fear and control. Our bodies remember these things.
To everyone who held space this week: therapists, counselors, medical practitioners, teachers and parents of teens who feel powerless - I see you. Please be gentle with yourself. Take this weekend to refill your cup. Say no. Back out of plans that don’t feed your soul. Give the kids screens and order take out. Spend the day reading romantacy novels and make soup. Whatever it is, tend to your hearts.
Nothing changed on Wednesday and everything changed on Wednesday. In case we needed the reminder, we live in a racist, bigoted, sexist, patriarchal country. As a white cis-woman living in NY, privilege seeps through my edges. Holding this awareness in one hand while holding space + providing care for those whose realities do not look like mine in the other is necessary to integrate. Be gentle with yourself this week. Let every emotion come to surface. And nourish yourselves now so that we can rise to the call when it’s made.
