abortion – Irene North

One year later

On 24 June, 2023

It’s been a hard year for me in relation to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. I’ve written about my personal feelings several times and I don’t really want to rehash any of it right now.

Today is a hard day. The Dobbs decision fucked over so many people. Others have been working hard trying to keep up with the seemingly never-ending changes and bans. I’m not going to try to redo what so many others are doing better, but I will link below some good resources to keep up with what’s going on. I am grateful to everyone who is on the front line keeping track of all of these changes, so the rest of us can be informed and take action.

I lost my rights again today

By Irene

On 20 May, 2023

In Nebraska

When the Supreme Court of the United States leak of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case occurred a year ago, it was devastating for me. I held out a glimmer of hope that Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey wouldn’t be overturned, but I knew the final decision likely wasn’t going to change. It was still a debilitating gut punch when the decision became official. A right I had my entire life, a right I had exercised, was taken away from me. In that moment, half the American population were told they could not be trusted to make medical decisions for themselves.

Since that time, I’ve written many comments online. I’ve been called a murderer more times than I can remember. I’ve had kind internet strangers step in and tell forced birthers to kindly fuck off. I’ve said so myself. However, it is one thing to be called a murderer by internet strangers. It’s another when it comes from someone sitting in your living room.

Out with the old

By Irene

On 25 April, 2023

In Nebraska

One of the lessons my grandmother taught me was to “put your money where your mouth is.” It’s something I’ve hesitated a few times or couldn’t afford to do at the time. Over the years, I’ve provided financial assistance, protested, wrote letters, and made phone calls for issues that were important to me.

I’m so angry right now, words fail me

By Irene

On 7 April, 2023

In Watching & Reading

I encourage everyone to watch the video above. Imani speaks around the 11 minute mark exactly what I’m thinking.

My comments in opposition to LB626

By Irene

On 29 January, 2023

In Nebraska

Nebraska state senator Joni Albrecht has once again attempted to ban abortion in Nebraska. My state representative, Brian Hardin, supports the bill. Many doctors in the state oppose the bill. The legislature is taking comments from constituents until Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 12 p.m., Central Time, 11 a.m., Mountain Time.

Vote. Your life likely depends on it

By Irene

On 25 September, 2022

In Ramblings

My black and blue computer chair is quite comfy. I sit in it each day to read the news. It’s where I write the majority of the things that come tumbling out of my brain. It’s an old comfort, full of tears where cat claws have made their mark. The chair has served me well for nearly a decade.

For the past month, however, I have sat down in my trusty chair, rested my fingers on my keyboard, and…I…just…can’t. There are things in my head that want to come out, but after reading the news, I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. I feel like I did when I was a little girl. A major right was taken away from me on June 24, 2022. Every day since the Dobbs decision, there has been a story of someone who wants to further restrict my rights and all those memories come rushing back. I can’t switch it off. My brain still tries to protect me when something triggers me, even if it’s only a headline.

Today, I’d like to take you through the last 36 hours of my news feed and offer a solution, vote.

Monday Musings: It’s just another day now

By Irene

On 4 July, 2022

In Monday Musings

I’ve always struggled with the day and what it means for the majority of people who live in the United States. So many have never truly been free. I haven’t celebrated it in more than 20 years.

They won’t stop until all women are chattel

By Irene

On 30 June, 2022

In Women

I’m finding it difficult to find the words to speak right now. Each time I pick myself up and look for a rational way to move on, those who wish to control me push me back down.

Of rage and despair and a right to speak

By Irene

On 29 June, 2022

In Women

A small statue rests in a field in western Nebraska.

I sat behind my computer last Friday waiting for the latest installment of Supreme Court decisions. I do this regularly during each session to see what the court has ruled on.

I opened a tab to the Supreme Court website where decisions are posted, then opened another tab to the SCOTUSblog website, where a live text feed is available when decisions are handed down.

Abortion: what we can do

By Irene

On 26 June, 2022

In Women

I’m still trying to process the reality we now live in after the Supreme Court made it official and took away a vital right for women. I’ll be writing a post in a few days about my thoughts and feelings, but, I wanted to put up something which might help others who may be seeking an abortion or who may want to support people who are seeking an abortion.

Writings

Tag: abortion Page 1 of 2

One year later

I lost my rights again today

Out with the old

I’m so angry right now, words fail me

My comments in opposition to LB626

Vote. Your life likely depends on it

Monday Musings: It’s just another day now

They won’t stop until all women are chattel

Of rage and despair and a right to speak

Abortion: what we can do