This is the most powerful essay that I have ever read on Medium. It is so beautifully written, and so heartfelt, and it spoke to me in a way that made me feel a little bit less alone as a woman in this country. Right now it feels absolutely terrifying to be a woman in this country. Like yourself, I remember the day of the decision, and breaking down in tears even though I myself am past childbearing age, I wept for all the women and girls who would now be having to deal with this devastation. I remember reaching out to other female friends of mine, who I knew had had abortions in the past. Some for medical health reasons and others for personal private reasons. I remember all of us having a shared feeling of such hatred, disrespect, and denigration of us as women because of this decision. I am glad to read that your husband, held you as you cried. Not all men are terrible, that is true. But I do believe that most of them live in a state of denial while also never really fully understanding what it is like to be a woman in a country that expresses outright, hatred and disdain for you, just because you are a woman. Some male friends of mine who are enlightened, will say that they realize how fortunate they are, but even then, they will never know what it is like to exist as a woman in a culture that openly despises, and devalues you. Thank you so much for your honesty and your bravery, in writing this for all of us ♥️