Calm Down, Then Take Action for Reproductive Care
There's always some hope, but we just have to look through the noise.
I don’t know what the general population in the U.S. is thinking about when they think of the fall of Roe vs. Wade. I think of the women who supported the fall, and think what if they become pregnant… and didn’t plan for a future baby and can’t support a future baby. What would they think then? And I’m also thinking of the options, too, if one day that day could happen to me. What would I do? Where would I go, since I live in a southern state smack dab in the middle of a no-abortion zone? (FYI, in case you wanted to know where you can get safe, legal abortion services, here’s a link.)
I’m here today to tell you to breathe, just like I need to breathe. There’s still hope. One-half of the country also thinks this is some insane sh*t that’s happening. People can still help you.
This post isn’t about how to get more involved with our democracy, or how to listen to the pro-life side when I’m sure most people with a uterus are furious right now. It’s too early for that, in my opinion. Right now, people need a space to vent, relax, and destress from this once-in-a-lifetime decision.
But we also need to know what to do. Yes, everyone who is extremely upset from this does need to take a breather, but we also need to take action.
Before I go on, I want to make a note that I am not a trained medical professional. Instead, I’m taking what other therapists have said in published online articles and am using them here to spread advice and help others. All of this advice is from other professionals who have written and advised about issues like this longer than I have.
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Okay, I hate this is happening. What can I do to let off steam?
First, BREATHE. Let off all your anger. If you feel like yelling and crying, do that. Don’t be ashamed that anger is a bad emotion. This is a sh*tty situation and you need to accept that. So, it’s okay. Don’t be afraid to be afraid.
Second, find activities during this time you do have control over. Can you stop scrolling through Facebook to avoid your aunt Judy who’s happy about the ruling? YES, YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN. You have the power to do this, and it’s important that you even make a list of things in your day about things you can avoid that makes you feel like crap about yourself and the world.
Third, spend time with family you love and trust. Humans are made for connection, especially in stressful times. I would personally recommend not people who disagree with your opinion on the ruling, but people who are pro-choice who also understand your confusion.
Right, got that. Now, what are some small steps I can take to learn more about abortion rights?
Know that you don’t have to know it all the first day. You might spend hours researching, but it’s likely you won’t retain all the information you got from doom searching on Google.
If you’re new to learning about abortion rights, you’re not alone. So am I, and I’m sure hundreds of young people are too.
All these tips are from A is For, a nonprofit that dedicates itself to spreading and educating others on reproductive rights.
Donate! A donation is always an option. If you have the money, that is. There are abortion funds like the National Network of Abortion Funds where you can donate to give people the money and support to receive a safe and legal abortion.
This is extremely important to know: Know that if you ever need an abortion, there are organizations that will help you. The Brigid Alliance is one. So is the Midwest Access Coalition, an organization that helps people get abortions across the midwest.
Learn more about self-medicated abortion, aka abortion pills. Plan C and AidAccess are organizations that help people obtain abortion pills and learn more about what they are. I suggest following them on social media or signing up for their texts so you get regular updates.
This is a personal one I’m going to repeat- find your friends who are pro-choice and discuss with them what you know. After you’ve expressed your frustration at the government, your friends can share what they know about abortion rights with you, and you can form a group on Scenario: aka what if the very possible happens? What should we do then?
Then, after you guys formed an unbreakable group with unstoppable power, share messages with others on social media (or anywhere, really) on what others with a uterus can do when faced with becoming pregnant. I don’t mean just cute decorative slogans that say “My Body, My Power,” or “Uteruses before Duderuses” I also mean real-life, tangible advice like, “Where is the nearest abortion provider near me? Does my insurance allow access to abortion?” Information like that. But also post a cool graphic about reproductive care if you want.
Of course, there’s always so much you can do. Just one of these steps, though, is a start to a lifelong journey of what is learning and educating others (and yourself) about abortion access.
It’s important to take time to relax and take true note of this situation at hand. But it’s also important that after we calm down we can do something, anything, about it.
Managing stress and making sure we don’t burn out is one thing. Taking action as one and uniting with others for affirmative, governmental action is another thing that has just as much importance.
This Friday, I’ll post again on why this happened, and most importantly, how to get involved in government when you absolutely have no idea how to get involved in the government.
Until then, take a nap, eat some ice cream, learn about what your state laws are for reproductive care, and know that there are things you can do, but not all at once.