Rachel's Story:
We were taught to believe that our rights under Roe were untouchable, and to trust the Supreme Court. It was a mistake to trust the institutions.
We never dreamed the Supreme Court would reverse its decision – this is health care. Next thing you know, we’ve been fighting for our lives for the last 20 years as abortion access shrinks.
Even under Roe, there were restrictions. My abortion in 1989 was easy: there wasn’t a 24-hour waiting period or medication ban, and I had three clinics to choose from. Anti-abortion politicians made access harder, which means my daughters receive harder lives.
I’m done worrying about Roe vs. Wade – it's the floor, not the ceiling, anyway. I’m sick of threats, sick of restrictions. Let’s move forward and fight for something better. Ohioans have proven we can take power with Issue 1. I know we can take even more. It’s time to be empowered and own our abortions and our experiences.
Marilyn's Story:
My mom took me to an OBGYN to get on birth control as a teenager – because of her, I didn’t get pregnant in high school. I went to Planned Parenthood in college to take care of my sexual health. Later, I went to PP for my abortion care after my birth control failed. I’ve supported PP all my life because of the compassionate care it provides. PP is a place where I’ve always felt welcome.
My dad partnered in opening abortion clinics in Ohio after abortion was legalized. I was so proud of my father for sticking up for women’s rights. He took a quiet, strong position, even when it cost him friends.
Right now, there are very visible attacks on abortion and birth control access, but it goes beyond that. I see the link between those, and our broader civil rights being trampled on. We fight for trans bodily autonomy and racial justice and Planned Parenthood, because it’s all tied together.
Dawn's Story:
Community care is everything. I’ve trained to provide practical support for abortion seekers as a driver. At first I thought picking someone up for their appointment was so little. Then I realized the complete lack of clinic options we have because of the ongoing attacks on reproductive freedom, and how those rides are so necessary.
Today, people talk about abortions more. People see more nuance to our life decisions, rather than old anti-abortion tropes. Abortion access isn’t something that just 18 year olds worry about – needing abortion care can happen to anyone in any of their reproductive years. I’m proud that people of all ages speak about their abortion experiences.
When I accessed my abortion, it had only been legal for 9 years. If I hadn’t been able to make that choice for myself when I was young, I know my life would be completely different. The attacks on our rights have got to stop. We can’t go forward as a country without bodily autonomy and reproductive options for all.