I experienced optimism while participating in a peaceful reproductive freedom rally in front of the courthouse. Turnout was excellent and many, many passing cars honked in support. There were chants, “My body, my choice, her body, her choice!” “Pro-woman, pro-choice!” “We won’t go back!” The rally was not without incident. One driver dangerously sped past against traffic to buzz the curb within a foot of pro-choice marchers. Racist slurs were heard. Vulgarity. To be expected. Standing up for privacy and abortion choice was worthwhile. I attended to represent women like my mother.

I saw an “Abortion is not healthcare” sign. May I respond. My mother suffered from severe postpartum depression after the birth of each of her children. Her symptoms were not mild and worsened after each successive child. She was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward on and off during her child-bearing years. She was given shock therapy. It altered her personality and mind. She nearly died. She and our family suffered for years. There are women all over this country like her. Today, even if a woman like my mother carried a fetus to full term and gave up the baby for adoption, her mental stability would still suffer. Today’s medical treatments have improved, but for some women abortion, the pill, IUDs, or morning after pill all must remain as options. It is healthcare. Abortion is not a black and white simple choice. Complex factors apply in each case. Sometimes we can’t save both mother and fetus. Which one to save is the choice, and should not be made by government or religious intrusion into a very private, personal, difficult decision. In 2022, today’s mothers-to-be must have safe, private, legal options availing concerning their pregnancies.

CHRISTINE BRENNAN

Ossineke