No questions, and hope you feel better, Jessica. Since there was no One Good Thing I'll write my One Good Thing anyway: Got second cataract surgery, vision very blurry at first, thought the surgery failed, but turned out it was a thicker cataract and caused more inflammation of cornea to dissolve it (like yanking Republicans away from Fox News). So now I can see! Have a bunch of floater dots but they can be lasered without anesthesia eventually.
The young caregiver who transported me to surgery said I was refreshing, that most of her old clients are Fox News watchers and are very resistant to other ideas or even watching other news sources. When she first came to the door I was raving about universal healthcare and abortion on demand.
Happy weekend, everyone. Hope Jessica takes some time to relax, fighting this battle daily must really take a toll emotionally and physically.
I see a lot of committed people - far more Female, than male (probably also more BIPOC, than white)- who clearly do a lot of great work. Others - seemingly "on our side" - seem either mired in - "it's hopeless, there is nothing I can do" or various types of denial - such as: "it's not that bad" or "I'm too busy.." or "I focus on ___ (often climate related) and I don't have the time to help" - I'm curious if you agree with me, and if so, ways you can suggest we reach these people???? (My sense is that reaching potential allies is more time/quality or results efficient - than trying to convince - those who are seemingly apathetic or opposed to us.) - Any comment on that - also??
What do you think about this concept of fetal coverture? I thought this article was amazing. I wanted to write an article expanding on the concept and its relationship to the 13th amendment connecting it to antiracism and Kimberly Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality and political invisibility which Michelle Goodwin wrote about in her book Policing the Womb. I just don't have the experience to do it.
State Abortion Bans: Pregnancy as a New Form of Coverture
Jessica, I’m in Texas. What are the most important ways for me to support abortion rights (besides voting)? There was a North Texas Day of Giving recently and there were probably 100s of organizations on the list that are anti-choice. I really had to hunt to even find a women-focused organization an organization that is not religious. Any advice?
Abortion funds! Especially in Texas right now, because they're being targeted by a lawsuit (see yesterday's newsletter.) There are a ton of great ones in the state that could absolutely use your help
Hi Jessica, Feel better and thank you for your newsletter! I read it most days, but sometimes I can't for my mental health. So I apologize if I missed this: How are states that are losing doctors and ob/gyns giving medical professionals like midwives, nurses and physician assistants the authority to provide maternity care and deliver babies yet they require abortion centers to have medical associations with hospitals in order to operate which is why there are none in a particular state? I remember hearing in an audio newsletter that allowing other types of medical professionals to treat pregnant people and deliver babies was how these states were getting around the doctor shortage. It seems very hypocritical and I would hope there would be some legal challenges on that. Not that I want ANY pregnant people to be without medical care, but it doesn't make sense to me that both scenarios can exist within a particular state.
That's totally understandable, it's a difficult read! And yeah it's completely hypocritical. I think if we want to draw attention to the onerous restrictions on abortion providers tho, we're better off juxtaposing with the complete lack of regulations on crisis pregnancy centers. Because these are the places that Republicans are claiming are going to replace clinics and fix the ongoing care crisis - yet they're allowed to operate willy nilly!
Hi Jessica, Hope you feel better! I don’t really have a question but I wanted to thank you for all your work you do! I have you as a resource on my website and really hope to help in anyway I can to spread the message.
Hi Jessica. Women's sports is finally blasting off. With the rise in popularity, prestige, and NIL deals I often wonder how to engage with the girls and women competing in red states. I know they are not happy about abortion bans in the states in which they compete. I can't imagine the NWSL or WNBA adding expansion teams in red states because of abortion bans. I can't imagine high level recruits will want to attend and compete for colleges in states with abortion bans even if they are being coached by Dawn Staley, it's still South Carolina. These colleges, teams and athletes have giant platforms i.e. Angel Reese @ LSU. How do we encourage them to fight back against these bans and say "hey, we won't play in a state unless we are guaranteed bodily autonomy!"
Oh I love this question - and I think this is such a smart idea! I have to image that these conversations are already being had, but there has to be a way for fans to reach out, no? Or that would make for a terrific article
There is a lot of different data to generate. I wonder how many women and girls are getting care, albeit under very difficult circumstances, versus how many are not getting care and are carrying pregnancies to term (and what they're doing then). Of course both are harm and both are unacceptable, and there are so many more negative effects of both the laws and the associated cultural shift.
Let's switch and talk food for a moment: my mom and I adore your cheesecake recipe! We don't make it too often because it's just the two of us, but it's amazing. Other recipe recommendations? Who are your go-to cooks/recipes for sweet cravings?
Isn't it the best??? I'm obsessed. For sweet stuff, I really like the Smitten Kitchen "my favorite brownie" recipe tho I add twice as much flaky salt, and there's also a really good browned butter rice krispie treats recipe I love, I'll try to find it!
Thanks so much. I’ll check it out 👍😊
No questions, and hope you feel better, Jessica. Since there was no One Good Thing I'll write my One Good Thing anyway: Got second cataract surgery, vision very blurry at first, thought the surgery failed, but turned out it was a thicker cataract and caused more inflammation of cornea to dissolve it (like yanking Republicans away from Fox News). So now I can see! Have a bunch of floater dots but they can be lasered without anesthesia eventually.
The young caregiver who transported me to surgery said I was refreshing, that most of her old clients are Fox News watchers and are very resistant to other ideas or even watching other news sources. When she first came to the door I was raving about universal healthcare and abortion on demand.
Happy weekend, everyone. Hope Jessica takes some time to relax, fighting this battle daily must really take a toll emotionally and physically.
I see a lot of committed people - far more Female, than male (probably also more BIPOC, than white)- who clearly do a lot of great work. Others - seemingly "on our side" - seem either mired in - "it's hopeless, there is nothing I can do" or various types of denial - such as: "it's not that bad" or "I'm too busy.." or "I focus on ___ (often climate related) and I don't have the time to help" - I'm curious if you agree with me, and if so, ways you can suggest we reach these people???? (My sense is that reaching potential allies is more time/quality or results efficient - than trying to convince - those who are seemingly apathetic or opposed to us.) - Any comment on that - also??
Thanks Jessica! I feel it would be a great reporting piece for an investigation reporter AND to give an update and call them out. 😀
How would you confront the cultists?
Hi Jessica,
I hope you feel better soon!
You've probably already answered this, sorry if it's a repeat: How do you keep your head from exploding?
I can barely get through an article without serious blood pressure spikes.
Thank you for doing what you do!
FYI hopping off for a few mins but will be back around 4pm to take more questions :)
What do you think about this concept of fetal coverture? I thought this article was amazing. I wanted to write an article expanding on the concept and its relationship to the 13th amendment connecting it to antiracism and Kimberly Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality and political invisibility which Michelle Goodwin wrote about in her book Policing the Womb. I just don't have the experience to do it.
State Abortion Bans: Pregnancy as a New Form of Coverture
https://virginialawreview.org/articles/state-abortion-bans-pregnancy-as-a-new-form-of-coverture/
Right! This piece was great. I also wish I had some more legal knowledge around this stuff - just resent to a few lawyer friends to get some more POVs
Jessica,
I’m so glad you are sending the piece on to some legal people. We really need an RBG level legal mind working on this issue.
Great! Thanks so much. I was hoping you would.
Laura,
I’m so happy Jessica finally saw the coverture piece! Thank you for reposting it!
Literally coerced labor.
Jessica, I’m in Texas. What are the most important ways for me to support abortion rights (besides voting)? There was a North Texas Day of Giving recently and there were probably 100s of organizations on the list that are anti-choice. I really had to hunt to even find a women-focused organization an organization that is not religious. Any advice?
Abortion funds.
Abortion funds! Especially in Texas right now, because they're being targeted by a lawsuit (see yesterday's newsletter.) There are a ton of great ones in the state that could absolutely use your help
Hi Jessica, Feel better and thank you for your newsletter! I read it most days, but sometimes I can't for my mental health. So I apologize if I missed this: How are states that are losing doctors and ob/gyns giving medical professionals like midwives, nurses and physician assistants the authority to provide maternity care and deliver babies yet they require abortion centers to have medical associations with hospitals in order to operate which is why there are none in a particular state? I remember hearing in an audio newsletter that allowing other types of medical professionals to treat pregnant people and deliver babies was how these states were getting around the doctor shortage. It seems very hypocritical and I would hope there would be some legal challenges on that. Not that I want ANY pregnant people to be without medical care, but it doesn't make sense to me that both scenarios can exist within a particular state.
That's totally understandable, it's a difficult read! And yeah it's completely hypocritical. I think if we want to draw attention to the onerous restrictions on abortion providers tho, we're better off juxtaposing with the complete lack of regulations on crisis pregnancy centers. Because these are the places that Republicans are claiming are going to replace clinics and fix the ongoing care crisis - yet they're allowed to operate willy nilly!
This.
Hi Jessica, Hope you feel better! I don’t really have a question but I wanted to thank you for all your work you do! I have you as a resource on my website and really hope to help in anyway I can to spread the message.
Aww thank you! That means a lot, Tara - thanks!! ❤️
Hi Jessica. Women's sports is finally blasting off. With the rise in popularity, prestige, and NIL deals I often wonder how to engage with the girls and women competing in red states. I know they are not happy about abortion bans in the states in which they compete. I can't imagine the NWSL or WNBA adding expansion teams in red states because of abortion bans. I can't imagine high level recruits will want to attend and compete for colleges in states with abortion bans even if they are being coached by Dawn Staley, it's still South Carolina. These colleges, teams and athletes have giant platforms i.e. Angel Reese @ LSU. How do we encourage them to fight back against these bans and say "hey, we won't play in a state unless we are guaranteed bodily autonomy!"
Oh I love this question - and I think this is such a smart idea! I have to image that these conversations are already being had, but there has to be a way for fans to reach out, no? Or that would make for a terrific article
Feel better soon, Jessica! I’m grateful everyday that I have a source I can count on.
I keep waiting to hear hard data about the harm being done to women and girls. I’m fearful as time goes by, that none will surface…
Take care!
There is a lot of different data to generate. I wonder how many women and girls are getting care, albeit under very difficult circumstances, versus how many are not getting care and are carrying pregnancies to term (and what they're doing then). Of course both are harm and both are unacceptable, and there are so many more negative effects of both the laws and the associated cultural shift.
P.S. The Great British Bakeoff just dropped on Netflix!! 🤩
Let's switch and talk food for a moment: my mom and I adore your cheesecake recipe! We don't make it too often because it's just the two of us, but it's amazing. Other recipe recommendations? Who are your go-to cooks/recipes for sweet cravings?
Isn't it the best??? I'm obsessed. For sweet stuff, I really like the Smitten Kitchen "my favorite brownie" recipe tho I add twice as much flaky salt, and there's also a really good browned butter rice krispie treats recipe I love, I'll try to find it!
Religious meaning far right religiosity.