A vote for the mothers
Women's health is on the line.
It’s Election Day, and I’m feeling optimistic. Nervous, but optimistic. This is my first year voting as a mother. I’ve never been a one-issue voter, but this year, women’s health is on the line, and it feels personal.
It is personal.
Less than three years ago, I had a miscarriage. I spent the night monitoring my blood loss, wrestling with contractions and exhaustion, and wondering if I might need emergency care. I knew that if I needed medication, surgery, or immediate support, I could access it. All because I live(d) in a state where abortion is legal — and for those who don’t know, “abortion” care is miscarriage care.
Today, I’m voting for the mothers.
I’m voting for Josseli Barnica, Nevaeh Crain, and countless other women who had to spend their final hours beginning for basic healthcare, which they were ultimately denied.
I’m voting for women who’ve endured pregnancy loss, infertility, and IVF. I’m voting for the women who are afraid. I’m voting for the generations of girls who don’t yet have a choice. I’m voting for my daughter, in the hope that she never has to live in a world where she has no control over her own body.
Reproductive rights isn’t an “abortion” issue. Reproductive rights are basic human rights. When we lose them, it has lasting, devastating, and deadly effects.
I’m nervous for myself, my friends, and all the women (and men) who are afraid to live through another Trump presidency, but I’m choosing optimism. I’m choosing to believe we’ll get it right this time…
Today, I’m wearing my blue and I’m going to the polls to place my vote for the candidate who I truly believe will protect me and other mothers like me.