Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1474752
were left with nothing to address what just happened. It's grotesque to push forward as if we aren't connected to the world outside of a film set. The work like a robot mentality is entirely connected to the issues we fought for in 2021. I hope our union brethren recognize the pain and suffering of those losing their rights in this country as this Supreme Court tears us apart. –Heather Fink When I found out Roe v. Wade was overturned, unfortunately, I wasn't shocked. Ever since the 2016 election results, I have been slowly saddened by the choices of this country and lack of empathy for each other. It seems over the years, the America I want to believe in does not and never has existed. Over the last few days of processing the court's decision, I can honestly say I feel victimized and violated. To be told by our Supreme Court that I don't have a right to my body, and that it's up to how people vote in the state I live in, whether or not I can continue a pregnancy, feels as if I have an audience in my bedroom. The fact that a man can forcibly impregnate me and I could be forced to carry it to term, causing further trauma; makes me feel subhuman. I fear for my daughter who will come to maturity in the world. We have a medical right to privacy (HIPAA), and a person's choice to medically remove a pregnancy is no one's business but their own. I saw a group of women holding signs near my home to end abortion in California. One of the signs read, "I regret my abortion" and for her, I am sorry she regrets the choice she made, but at least she had a choice. Why should I be robbed of my ability to make a choice because of someone else's feelings? I shouldn't. –Alexis Schafer Making abortion illegal is unconscionable and barbaric. Women are equal to men. We deserve respect and support not condemnation. There are a multitude of reasons why a woman must consider an abortion. Being forced to carry a child that was conceived through incest, sexual assault, and rape needs to be illegal. Being forced to carry a child that will cause detrimental health issues or even death to the mother is incomprehensible. Why is there not more concern about the man's responsibility and accountability for their part in pregnancy. And why are there not harsher laws and condemnation for men who have committed sexual crimes. It has been revealed that many of the supporters that aided in the overturning of Roe v. Wade have used abortion as an option when it was inconvenient for them to bring a child into this world because of their stature. This is appalling and horrific. –Jessica Bender I am writing my representatives and supporting putting term limits on the Supreme Court justices. I feel it is the only way, besides voting, that we can have any control of our system of government. –Michelle Wolf The damage done by the Trump administration continues long after the grifter in chief was fired. Outlawing abortion only stops safe abortion. Now more women will be killed as they're driven underground to seek the procedure through unsafe and unregulated means. They will also be murdered by men that don't want the baby. This is only the first right these Republican religious zealots want to take away, more will follow. Separation of church and state is more important than ever. We must march, we must vote, and most importantly, we must not allow these zealots to take away our rights. If you don't believe abortion is moral, don't have one. You do not get to force your religious beliefs on anyone else's choices. The only thing coming out of my womb is dust, but think of your daughters and granddaughters being forced to birth an unwanted child and get as mad as I am so we can stop this madness. –Carrie Sheldon The struggle for 695 to receive enough statements is reflective of the history of violent terrorism by the "pro-life" movement. People are afraid to speak. It also reveals the true intent of anti-abortion groups. Women's work doesn't end when she clocks out, but continues at home with childcare. More children at an earlier age equals less free time and money—or, more succinctly, less power. The gender pay gap was recently defended "for people taking time out to, you know, birth children." These statements are meant to disempower. Saying that victims of rape can't get pregnant or that abortion causes infertility and mental illness is meant to misinform. Anti-abortion laws are created without exceptions for rape and incest, along with allowing manslaughter and murder charges against women who experience miscarriage. Tennessee now wants to allow a father to veto an abortion. So, a rapist could force his victim to carry his baby. This is all meant to terrorize. Taken in total, "pro-life" is not pro-life. If it were, then they would care that the US has some of the highest infant and maternal death rates, uninsured, mass shootings, hunger, and poverty. "Pro-life" is a campaign to take power and freedom from half of the population. What comes next? –Anonymous