Protecting Our Right To Make Our Own Healthcare Decisions
It’s been a tough week. As many in my community have been sharing, I’m experiencing SO MANY FEELINGS in response to the leak of the draft opinion that will most likely overturn Roe v Wade.
Anger: When I hear our government in 2022 wants to remain purist and true to a document that was written by all white men and considered slavery, rape and women’s full on subservience to men as law.
Hopelessness: When I stand alongside women leaders in powerful organizations, helping them find their voices and confidence–knowing that at the most primal level–they will never have power and influence when a minority contingent in our country controls their healthcare choices and decisions about their bodies.
Fear: When I think about all of the individuals who will not be able to receive the care they need. Who cannot afford to travel to states where abortion will be legal. Who will be forced to give birth against their will - even under the worst of circumstances, even when it is to their own detriment.
Shame: When I think about how I have taken this right to make my own healthcare choices for granted. I know, it sounds like it should be the baseline of what is available to all humans. 50 years of precedent gave me a false sense of safety that this issue was settled. I haven't done enough and I understand that now.
What I am doing next is still evolving and yet I wanted to share a few things with you as the plan comes together.
Personally…
I’m giving myself a little extra space. Saying no to things that I feel I can’t be present for right now. Extra time to write and feel my feelings.
I’m being honest with my people about where I’m at and not pretending everything is ok. It’s not.
I’m showing up for my daughters and the feelings that they’re having. I’m modeling that it’s ok to cry and to be afraid and to be really fucking angry.
Professionally…
I’m holding space for my clients who are figuring out how to be there for their teams in an authentic and human way.
I’m tapping into communities of powerful organizers and leaders who are building ways forward. I’m so grateful to be a part of Chief in this moment and to be connected with many female leaders of influence and power so I can learn how I can use my skills to be most effective.
I’m seeking pro bono clients: those who are running for local office who want to work on messaging, public speaking and navigating impostor syndrome. I worked with several candidates in the 2018 midterms and I’m currently working with an impressive and energized candidate running for state house in Texas.
So, my asks…
If you know of candidates running for local office looking for support, send them my way.
If you are part of working groups, protests, campaigns or other actions to impact state legislation to maintain access to safe abortions–please let me know. We can discuss ways I can use my platform to support your efforts.
I appreciate you and your being a part of this community. Let’s be here for each other. Let’s do good work together. Let’s protect our rights to be in charge of our own bodies and healthcare decisions.
These choices directly impact the kinds of lives, careers and influence we’re able to have–and I’m here to advocate for you to have a life and a career–ON YOUR TERMS.