Don’t fear sister, there are safe abortion options outside of the system if you need to end a pregnancy.
I understand that people are upset that Roe vs. Wade may be overturned, I get it. In many ways it seems like we as a society are regressing when it comes to women’s rights.
Women deserve the right to choose when to carry life and when to access safe abortions, for whatever reason.
Since the beginning of time, women have decided to end pregnancies safely at home with the support of cycle tracking, midwives and herbs. No matter what laws are created or overturned, there is one thing that remains true. Women will always be in service to other women when it comes to the mysteries of the womb.
When I look at what is happening in the world today around these legal entities claiming to govern womens bodies, it makes me wonder. Is there a better way to have safe supported abortions outside of this failing system?
What if there is a way for women to actually have safe, sacred pregnancy releases and set themselves up for a supported, deeply healing postpartum period. A way for women to get back to their roots and utilize skills harvested and preserved by the many women that have come before us.
A way of connecting to the web of wise women holding this threshold as the deep initiatory process that it is.
Although Planned Parenthood has served many women and families by making contraception and safe abortion care accessible, many women who have clinical abortions share that entering a cold sterile clinic, with strangers, at such a vulnerable time is not the most supportive way of honoring this life changing event. After an abortion, many women secretly and without the support of community, suffer from post-abortion syndromes ranging from substance abuse, depression, grief, regret and thoughts of suicide.
I know from serving women over many years that abortions are not taken lightly.
So how can we educate ourselves as well as the girls and women in our lives so our chances of experiencing unexpected pregnancies are minimized?
Cycle tracking. Know your body. Throughout the fertile years, only one egg (rarely more in the case of multiples) is ovulated per cycle. Making pregnancy possible for about 6 days per cycle. Through science based evidence, we know that when biomarkers like cervical fluid and temerature are observed and tracked, and one does not wish to conceive, it’s extremely important to use protection or abstain from vaginal intercourse during that 6 day window. Women who track their cycles come into deeper relationship with their inner rhythms, this amazing technology holds a powerful medicine that is deeply healing. Learn more about developing your body literacy skills and Fertility Awareness Mentorships here.
Know your plant allies. In the case that you do have unprotected intercourse in your fertile window, certain herbs can be taken to disrupt the natural hormonal rhythm. These herbs work by creating an inhospitable environment in the uterine lining, making it unlikely for a fertilized egg to implant. Herbs are best used as contraception with cycle tracking, so you can take them before implantation takes place. There is a short 1-6 day window that they need to be taken regularly for their success, so you must know when you're ovulating. Out of respect for your cycling female body, do not habitually over use these plants. Get to know these plants, their smells, their habitats and relate to them before an emergency situation. Find out more about Queen Anne’s Lace for fertility management here.
If a fertilized egg does implant, and you do not wish to follow through with the pregnancy, make sure you have emotional support. Hiring an abortion doula and/or getting your closest people together to lessen your responsibilities can make a world of difference. After any type of birth, whether it’s full term, miscarriage or abortion, women’s bodies need the same thing. Rest, time for integration and deep nourishment. Consider having a loved one create a meal train for you, or having a different sister come over each day of the week throughout the postpartum period to listen to your process, prepare food or help with light housecleaning. You may be surprised by how much support you receive.
Know that there is a web of women who have access to the pharmaceuticals needed to have a safe autonomous at home pregnancy release, as well as mentors who offer coaching and educational support to cover the cautions everyone needs to know when taking this route. More info on pharmaceuticals for home abortion here. Resources on how to have pharmaceuticals shipped to you here.
Lastly, if you choose to end a pregnancy and the potential to carry life, my guess is that you are taking this decision very seriously. My guess is that you a have a purpose or calling that makes raising a child just not possible at this time. My guess is that you are instead tuning into a deep and palpable YES, by saying no. Honor your yes, come back to that YES and journal about that YES throughout your process. Some women find it deeply healing to create a ritual honoring the vision and potential that this process brings.
Warning: Herbs used as abortificants are highly toxic to the body. If you attempt to abort with herbs, have support and know what signs of toxicity to look for. Find more info here
With the utmost care for women and girls everywhere,
