Abortion is on my mind, friends. I have never had an abortion. I say this not because I am especially virtuous, or pious. I say this because I am especially lucky to have never needed one. During my childbearing years, I took the necessary precautions, but I’d be disingenuous if I wasn’t honest about the blackout drunk nights and occasional hook-ups that, had I not been so lucky, may have resulted in different outcomes. I can also recognize my privilege at being fortunate enough to have been able to afford birth control when I had to pay for it myself, and then when I had jobs with good private insurance.
There was 1 close call. So close, I actually researched which clinic I was going to call, if the issue hadn’t resolved itself by the time I got home from a business trip. Had it all planned – from time off work, to the logistics of getting to and from the clinic. In Toronto, finding a clinic was a relatively simple exercise, thanks primarily to the work of one Dr. Henry Morgentaler, an Order of Canada recipient from way back. May your memory be a blessing, Dr. Morgentaler.
My heart breaks for our neighbours to the south and what is a major setback to Women’s rights. In a country that has no universal healthcare, nor parental leave, nor federal childcare policy, forcing women to give birth is a denial of basic fundamental rights. But don’t ask someone to wear a mask.
I hope that this is a wake up call for those who typically stay home come election time. Get out and vote in November, friends. As if your very existence depends on it.
RC Country Life 
I have had the same experience as you Rhonda, including the planning down to the last detail. Like you, my situation resolved itself, as you so eloquently put it. I’ll never, however, forget how relieved I felt to know that I had options. I wonder how many women of our generation had made similar plans, freaked out but confident, at least, that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
I can’t imagine how our American sisters must feel to see that light fading. They, like ne, must be wondering and fearing which domino will fall next.
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Hi Rhonda! I have a few comments I’d like to make, and this seems like a good post for me to do so. Firstly, thank you for your thoughts above. I am aghast at the direction of my country and how far we seem determined to backslide. My heart, too, is breaking, although there has been at least one victory for abortion rights in the state of Kansas, which was astonishing given the history there. I hope it gives us a road map to fight planned restrictions in other states.
Secondly, I just found your blog today (!), and proceeded to read all of your posts in one go. Thank you for your vulnerability and courage to share your journey. As you may know, I’m officially an expat now, having moved to Italy last year with my husband (and my 2 cats!). I can certainly relate to your “fish out of water” tag line, and your experiences in shaping a new life that looks very different from the old. Good days and not so good, but quite the ride. I look forward to your future musings. 🙂
Ciao!
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So great to hear from you! I’ve been following your adventures on Instagram. Looks like you’re having a great time! I’m so happy for you!
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