An extreme anti-abortion law was passed in Texas this month. A woman who seeks an abortion after six weeks can be arrested, along with anybody who aids her in seeking that abortion. $10,000 bounties are being offered to the public to ‘dob’ women in. Considering most women don’t even realise they are pregnant at that early stage, this law effectively bans more than 90% of abortions in the state. Clinics are already turning women away for fear of punishment. 

Every woman should have an unequivocal right to make decisions about her own body. It’s that simple. 

On the other side of the world, I felt so defeated by this news. Just… overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. But one thing I’m good at is telling stories, so I figure I can at least use that skill to contribute in a way I know how. I’m one of millions of women who have made this choice about my own body, and I’m in a position to tell that story. It’s not a big contribution, but it’s something I can do.

So here is just the gist of my abortions. 

- Rosie

‘Choice Words: A collection of writing about abortion’ - the book Rosie contributed her story to: https://www.booktopia.com.au/choice-words-louise-swinn/book/9781760875220.html?source=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4eaJBhDMARIsANhrQADf6mTOMLCERIoaKnboXcWFatAGggQvgSKaB2dAsGTbmlHI6ndFBU0aAjYqEALw_wcB

Some further reading:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/01/texas-abortion-law-supreme-court

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/08/texas-abortion-vigilantes-sb8-citizens-sue

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/09/biden-administration-sue-texas-abortion-law

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