I am writing this just 45 minutes after the news was released that Roe Vs. Wade was overturned by the United States Supreme Court.

There are no words.

Disgusted. Sick. Angry.  All come to mind, but this only scratches the surface of the reality behind this ruling:

The American people have been betrayed by our government – in the Supreme Court and everywhere else where women have been deprived of sovereignty over their own bodies. In a nation that proudly waves the banner of representative democracy where the majority of the population consider themselves pro-choice, these decisions are nothing short of betrayal – and demonstrate an epic failure of governance.

The US can no longer call itself a representative democracy.

Yes, this is just another nail in the coffin of a nation fast hurtling toward its self-created demise, but as a woman and as a mother of two young adults, and an auntie to many, this nail is especially painful.

I feel gutted.

I know I’m not alone. In the short time since the Supreme Court decision came down, my phone and social media have been screaming.  Women are angry. Men who care about women should be too. What immediately followed were Clarence Thomas’ vision of a future where both contraception and same sex marriage are illegal (I truly despise this man and have since the Anita Hill thing).  The actions of the vocal minority will not stop at abortion.  Mark my words.

In this moment I don’t have energy to think about appropriate social action. All I can do right now is tend to my grief. Writing is one way I give my grief a voice. Social media is another. There aren’t enough Handmaid’s Tale memes for how many are feeling today.

I can also be a source of support for others.  As a Soul Tender, with a master’s in Transpersonal Psychology, and just darn good listener without judgment, I’m a good place for people to express all that comes forth in the face of betrayal:

• Shock.
• Denial (this can’t be happening)
• Bargaining (maybe more states will come forward with appropriate protections, maybe a new amendment can be written to protect women’s rights) 
• Depression (feelings of helplessness, despair, immobility)
• RAGE RAGE RAGE (where I am right now)
• Sorrow.  (interesting, I found myself weeping in yoga this morning not really knowing why…..now I know).

I’m available via FB messenger and email lauri@lauriannlumby.com and text for those who have my private number.

Finally, in case anyone should forget:

THIS IS NOT JUST A WOMEN’S ISSUE

I’ve been saying this all along:  in a nation that seems to cater to white men, these are the ones who need to speak out and stand up.  Clearly the US Government doesn’t give a shit about women, people of color, or the poor (who will be most devastated by this ruling). Sadly, it has been proved that our voices don’t matter. The good men need to stand up and make their “brothers” hear. If they don’t, they might find that they will be the ones the vocal minority will be coming after next.

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