By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Thousands of women rallied in the US in support of abortion rights and other feminist causes ahead of Tuesday’s election. Not only the presidential election but also various state-level abortion-rights measures were in focus. As per a survey, abortion rights have supplanted inflation as the top issue for women under 30 in the presidential election. Numerous states will consider constitutional amendments for upholding the right to abortion. Other issues like LGBTQ+ rights, higher wages, paid sick leave, and efforts against gun violence were also advocated for during the rallies.
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The recent Women’s March rally in Glenview, IL was electrifying. It felt like a moment of collective awakening, with a sea of passionate faces and sign-waving advocates. The air was charged not just with frustration, but with determination. Women across the country are standing up for their rights and speaking out against a political landscape that threatens their autonomy. The sheer reality of what we’re facing—an election where we are pitted against a candidate who has a history of abusing women’s rights and is often associated with toxic masculinity—is appalling. This isn’t just an election; it’s a battle for our lives, our bodies, and our future.
The imperative to protect abortion rights cannot be amplified enough. It’s a stark reminder that we are living in times where control over our own bodies is at stake. The overturning of Roe v. Wade didn’t just affect women in a far-off way; it sent shockwaves through our daily lives, impacting us, our friends, and our communities. The number of women in Texas forced to give birth after being victims of rape—a staggering 26,000—should make us all furious. How can we call ourselves a civilized society when we turn a blind eye to such suffering? It’s a failure not just of lawmakers, but of humanity itself.
Marching alongside other women, I could feel the collective anger pulsating through the crowd. We are tired—tired of being told what we can and cannot do with our own bodies, tired of the condescension that comes from those who believe they have the right to dictate our choices. The discussions around the way women, especially those who fall under the MAGA influence, are treated in society is eye-opening. A myriad of interactions—from the dating pool to professional settings—are colored by the toxic rhetoric surrounding women’s rights. The frustration is palpable, and it’s about time we acknowledge that anger as the driving force for change.
In many ways, we are witnessing the results of a well-orchestrated campaign by those who seek to unravel the fabric of our democracy. It’s about more than just abortion; it’s the erosion of freedoms across the board. With every protest and rally, the message is clear: we will not back down. Democracy should not be for sale, nor should it be dictated by a select few who wish to impose their narrow beliefs on everyone else. Fighting back against this ideology isn’t just a personal stand; it’s a necessity for the survival of our collective rights.
It is revealing how deeply entrenched the opposition to women’s autonomy is. Conversations about reproductive rights often devolve into condemnation rather than understanding. Some claim that most abortions are the result of irresponsibility, treating complex human experiences as black and white. What they fail to grasp is that personal circumstances vary widely. Each story, each choice, deserves respect, not judgment. The reality is that choice is fundamental; we must stop imposing our personal beliefs on others under the guise of saving lives. This is not an individual’s morality on trial; it is about our collective right to exist as individuals with the freedom to make our own choices.
The rhetoric surrounding women’s marches shines a spotlight on stark ideological divides. As someone who was raised in an environment that attempted to dictate personal beliefs, I recognize the indoctrination that comes from certain circles. It’s no wonder that many women, now realizing their own rights and the power of their voice, are stepping into the light to speak against oppressive narratives. We are not just fighting for ourselves; we are protecting future generations from inheriting a world where their choices are dictated by others. The desire for autonomy is universal; it transcends faith, geography, and culture.
What I witnessed at the march was a sense of empowerment. Women of all ages came together, sharing their stories and solidarity. There is a renewed sense of hope that transcends the anger we feel when we look at the political landscape. It is easy to feel disheartened, to think that our voices are just echoes in the void, but these gatherings are essential in drowning out the noise of apathy. Visibility matters, and we must continue to create spaces where our voices can be amplified, and our rights defended.
Abortion is healthcare, plain and simple. When discussions devolve into moral debates, we lose sight of the human experience surrounding pregnancy and reproductive choices. It is imperative to have discussions rooted in empathy rather than judgment. The struggle for abortion rights is tied to broader issues of healthcare, education, and socioeconomic status. We must confront that reality if we want to forge a path towards true equality and freedom.
My experiences at the Women’s March taught me an invaluable lesson: we have the power to create change. We’re not merely reacting to our circumstances; we’re actively shaping our future. Elections are not just about partisan politics; they represent our values, our freedoms, and our commitment to fight for what’s right—our bodies, our choices. We will be unapologetic in our stance and unwavering in our resolve. Women will remain at the forefront, and together we can turn the tide in this battle for our rights, ensuring our voices are heard and our choices are respected.