A perspective that honors women’s experiences and calls for deeper listening. When a woman steps into a doctor’s office, seeking help, she often expects two things: to be listened to and to be helped. Yet for many who use hormonal contraception or other medical birth control methods, the side effects they experience are minimized—called “normal,” “expected,” or even “all in your head.” Whether it’s through pregnancy decisions or family planning, we believe women should be better supported in...

I never walked into an abortion clinic, forced to pass protestors shouting and holding signs. I’ve never experienced a sidewalk advocate whispering prayers over me, my baby, or any of the other women lining up to be freed that day. I was never given a clipboard or asked to sign a consent form. I have never experienced sitting in an abortion clinic waiting room, hearing my name called, or witnessing my baby’s heartbeat flickering on an ultrasound screen. Instead, I walked to my mailbox to...

Second Chances and New Beginnings This couldn’t be happening again,” I thought when I started feeling nauseous for the third morning in a row. I was a week late, and I knew I needed to take a pregnancy test, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do so just yet. I finally found a good-paying job as a receptionist at my dentist’s office and a great daycare for my little girl. As hard as the past two years had been, life was finally improving. I didn’t want an abortion . I loved being a mom, as...