In 1791, pioneering women’s rights advocate Olympe de Gouge wrote, “Women, wake up! The alarm bell of reason is making itself heard throughout the universe; recognize your rights” in her Declaration of the Rights of Woman. Today, it is 2022, and I fear we are sliding backward.
Upon the occasion of the leak of the Supreme Court’s opinion on Roe v. Wade, we can no longer ignore that we are facing a threat to women’s rights not seen in decades; or at least not seen on the surface. Like racism, this is based on fear and control. We do not need either.
I choose to see hope, for it is when a beast knows it is dying that it cries out loudest and the old ways of us v. them, left v. right, man v. woman, these are not going to serve us as we strive for a regenerative, peaceful, and healthy future.
Despite the gaps in response driven by political rhetoric, the COVID-19 virus showed us all we are all connected. Women’s rights are human rights and we must build bridges and lead with love as we strive to protect our reproductive autonomy.
Moms left, moms right, to control and care for our own bodies is our human right, we must work together. Like climate, clean air, and clean water, our bodies should not be a partisan issue.
We need to see this clearly as an attempt to reduce women’s and civil rights, and fight it as a collective. All genders, all people who care about women. It’s totally unacceptable. It’s un-American.
When I heard this was happening, I had to do something. Within two days, thanks to my fantastic network of sister-friends, and my biological sister Nicole, I had two amazing women committed to speaking to us for this event, to help us understand where we have been, where we are going, and what we can do to make sure we don’t go backwards:
- Dr. Sheryl A. Ross, aka “Dr. Sherry”, an Ob/Gyn, author, health expert, and fierce advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights for over 25 years.
- Amy Everitt, a leading women’s advocate having been at the helm of NARAL Pro-Choice California and as Vice President of Special Projects for NARAL Pro-Choice America and now, President of Golden State Opportunity (GSO).
Thank you, each and every one of you who rallied so quickly to have this important conversation. Here is a link to LISTEN TO THE RECORDING OF OUR TALK.
Questions? Comment below or send an inquiry to hello@momfluentials.com
In Summary
Five action items to protect women’s rights and civil rights:
- Be your biggest advocate for your own health.
- Donate to one or two non-profit organizations that support women’s reproductive rights; especially in low-income communities (see list HERE)
- Remember numbers matter: show up at events, sign petitions, march and stand together, such as at this Women’s March on May 14, 2022.
- Give of time, money, and/or energy, whatever you have got to give.
- Talk to your friends, neighbors, carpool groups, fellow soccer moms etc.
Five questions you can ask to create more open and empathetic conversations:
- Do you believe in accurate sex education?
- Do you believe in birth control?
- How would you support a family member or friend facing an unplanned pregnancy?
- How would you want to be supported if you found yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy?
- Do you believe the government should be involved in a woman’s reproductive choices?
Questions? Comment below or send us an email at hello@momfluentials.com.
