Section 1.1: A Disturbing Case from Idaho

Today, I watched a heartbreaking report about Jennifer Adkins from Idaho. She had to travel to Oregon for medical care because the pregnancy she cherished had turned life-threatening. How is it acceptable that a woman must cross state lines for critical care? The emotional toll of losing a child is devastating enough without navigating bureaucratic hurdles. What is one supposed to do? Return home with a tiny, lifeless body or leave it behind? These are the realities women face when legislation intrudes upon their autonomy.

My daughter, one of my closest friends, got married in 2008 while living in Georgia. Five months later, she called with the joyful news that she was expecting. We shared daily conversations, discussing her pregnancy and feeling the distance between us. However, her joy was short-lived; severe nausea and dizziness prompted me to urge her to see her doctor.

The diagnosis was an ectopic pregnancy, requiring immediate termination. Despite timely intervention, my daughter faced months of illness due to the impact of the pregnancy and the medical procedures needed. This traumatic experience not only caused her physical pain but also led to long-lasting mental health challenges. Thankfully, she was able to access care without delay—something that might not have been possible in a post-2016 landscape.

Women are at risk. Our daughters, sisters, and friends are in peril—not from seeking unsafe procedures, but from a climate of fear that prevents them from asking for help. The barriers imposed by conservative policies can lead to dire consequences, where time-sensitive medical attention is hindered by legislation.

Section 1.2: The Historical Context

Reflecting on my cousin Vicki’s experience with an ectopic pregnancy four decades ago, it’s shocking to realize how much has changed. Back then, she received immediate care. Today, a woman in Idaho may face life-threatening delays when seeking help. Those who support restrictive abortion laws need to understand the profound consequences of their stance.

Women must share their truths without shame. To my friend Alice, who endured the loss of her triplets, your grief is profound and ongoing. Your story is vital. It illustrates the harsh reality that women could be forced to carry stillborn children, risking their own health in the process.

How do we reconcile the loss of those we wanted? Alice and Vicki have found ways to memorialize their children, while my daughter bears a tattoo that represents her loss. Each of us carries our pain in different ways, and the effects of these experiences linger long after the fact.