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Ellie Kona's avatar

In regard to the term "heartbeat bill," the OB/GYNs among us can attest to their expertise of clarifying that at about 6 weeks of human embryo gestation, the amalgamation of cells that eventually will become a heart are NOT yet a functioning heart with a beat. The "heartbeat" reference is a deliberately emotionalizing misnomer, and in our messaging, we need to not perpetuate this tactic of the far right.

As for the Women's March of 10/02/2021, men were out there aplenty in support--yay and thank you! The depth and breadth were impressive. Women's Marches were held in all 50 states.

https://act.womensmarch.com/event/oct-2-2021-march/search/?source=plannedparenthood_attend&gclid=Cj0KCQjw18WKBhCUARIsAFiW7Jwy-Rxj5F40MWB_CsotI9KTwGD1WKGfh_ZR5SEnh_Q4VJaEU4kH7XoaApNxEALw_wcB

But I respectfully disagree that the Women's March was limited to people marching "for women’s lives and their constitutional right to abortion." Plenty of people's signs and T-shirts addressed the larger issues of patriarchal capitalism, feminism, women's health, gender rights, citizenship, and constitutional overreach. Here are some examples:

"We are Ruthless! Now act accordingly."

"RBG sent me. I dissent."

"Bans off our bodies"

"Republicans hate women, children, refugees, clean air, voting rights"

"Women's rights are human rights."

"Yes to citizenship now"

"Men of quality are not afraid of equality"

"Real men are feminists"

"The system is sexist. Fight for socialism."

"Pro-choice. Pro-vax. Pro-equality."

"Derechos reproductivos son temas LGBTQ!"

"Address institutional racism in reproductive healthcare"

"Regulate guns, not uteruses"

"Authoritarian reproductive control is fueled by misogyny and racism"

"Viagra is govt. funded ($41.6 million / yr), If Pregnancy is God's Will, So Is Limp Dick"

"Texas: where a virus has reproductive rights but a woman doesn't"

"If I wanted the government in my uterus, I would f**k a politician!"

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Christine (FL)'s avatar

Morning Ellie. In conversations yesterday, I expressed to people that the MARCH I attended far surpassed the numbers expected and that the voices raised and speeches were about many issues, especially relating to women and children. People were very united and talking amongst groups was riveting. One sign stopped me in my tracks and we took a few minutes to talk.

“The Book of Woman says…

Thou shalt NOT govern my body.

Fallopians 10:2”

It was a memorable, strong, satisfying day.

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Denise H.'s avatar

The speeches given at our march in Ft Worth, reiterated that this ban on abortions is not about pro life, it’s about controlling women. If it were about helping babies and children, then support young women, access to birth control, schools, foster care children, rape victims, abused women, etc. When social services increase, abortions decrease.

A young girl interviewed me for a school project. She asked me why this opposition to the abortion ban is important to me. She got an earful! She didn’t seem to make a connection between controlling women with other issues such as voter suppression, poverty, safety of women. I thanked her mom who brought her out to do the project. I urged them to vote, when the girl is old enough.

It was a really good day! Inspiring!

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AshleyR TN's avatar

Right on, Denise! There’s a ripple effect, when we educate these younger, future voters, as you know well. Thank YOU, for your impactful, ongoing, teaching efforts💙!

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Ellie Kona's avatar

This is so well said, Denise. The Los Angeles Times buried the story of the Women's March in the second section page 10, literally behind the obituaries, and used a photo of a sign with a sad misspelling. So Letters to the Editor, here I come! Armed with great phrases from your comment!

Lucky little girl who found you to interview!

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Cathy Learoyd (Texas)'s avatar

I agree Ellie. This is bigger than reproductive rights. It is women's rights. It is People's rights. And we're ready to fight! I liked the sign that said: What would Ruth do?

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Denise H.'s avatar

There was a sign with RBG pic that said we’re Ruthless, act like it!

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Stuart Attewell (Paris, Fr)'s avatar

And women are the majority

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Christine (FL)'s avatar

There were plenty of “Ruth sent us” signs at the March in my city.

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Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC)'s avatar

Thanks, Ellie! I heard this chant as well: "Hey, Ho, Patriarchy Must Go!"

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Fran's avatar

I was amazed at the Atlanta March how many men were there. There was a wide variety of people. This is what democracy looks like.

My senators and Congresswoman are all progressive Democrats in Georgia! They hear from me all the time, anyway, because they need those numbers of constituents supporting the causes. This is, also, what democracy looks like.

Grateful to Professor Richardson keeping me informed so I can intelligently contact my Congress people.

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Rhonda Schmit's avatar

My husband, who never protests, joined me in the march at Fort Worth, Texas. I saw many men participating.

Of course there was also very loud religious stated anti abortionist protesting against us there. Shake my head at these people

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Pam Peterson (West MA)'s avatar

Ellie, thank you for this list and especially for "If I wanted the government in my uterus, I would f**k a politician!" Made me laugh out loud...a lot!

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