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“In 2011, almost 200 new provisions restricting women’s choices have been introduced across the country: bills calling for waiting periods before abortions, ultrasounds before abortions, slashing of funds for contraception and many other area that entail telling women what they can or cannot do with their wombs. These bills could impact my life and soon my daughter’s life. And this mom tells her daughter exactly that common sense.

Common sense compels me to raise her to not only know her body, but know about those in public office who wish to make choices about what she can do with her body. I tell my daughter that her body is hers. Her ears are not even pierced because I feel that it should be her decision if she had two holes in her body, not mine. But those 200 anti-women provisions send a different message. One that tells her that elected and appointed officials do not believe she is capable of making certain choices about her body and life, whether at the age of 11, 21 or 41.”

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“I approached the pharmacy near the rear of the store and my pulse quickened as I noticed a man and a woman in white lab coats behind the counter. Please don’t let it be the guy, I silently hoped. I imagined him picturing me having sex and thinking that I’m easy, a slut. Like an obese person wheezing as they ask for their blood pressure medication, while everyone muffles their condescending giggle.

The female pharmacist, a brunette with plastic rim glasses who looks only a few years older than me, approached the pick-up side and I felt calmer, yet still awkwardly muttered, “Uh, I guess” when she asked if I was indeed picking up. I tried to exude confidence, like I had done nothing wrong as I said, “I need Plan B.” I’d been with the same guy for six months and my writing career has been driven by the need to promote a sex-positive society. What was coming over me?”