avatarDennett

Summary

The article "Only Hers" discusses the gendered double standards surrounding pregnancy and the implications of restrictive abortion laws in the United States, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's conservative shift.

Abstract

"Only Hers" is a poignant poem that addresses the double standards faced by women in the context of pregnancy and abortion. It highlights the solitary burden placed on a woman who becomes pregnant, contrasting her situation with those who share neither the responsibility nor the societal judgment she endures. The piece underscores the individual nature of her predicament, emphasizing that the life-altering decisions and consequences are hers alone to bear. The author, Dennett, warns of the escalating war against abortion rights in the U.S., spearheaded by Republicans and American Christians, and the potential overturning of Roe vs. Wade by a Supreme Court with a conservative majority. The article suggests that if this landmark decision is reversed, women across the nation will suffer a significant setback in their reproductive rights and autonomy.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the responsibility of pregnancy is unfairly shouldered by women, who are often left alone to face the consequences of unplanned pregnancies.
  • There is a clear critique of the societal and political climate in the U.S., which the author views as increasingly hostile towards women's reproductive rights.
  • The article expresses concern over the Supreme Court's conservative leanings, fearing that this will lead to the erosion or reversal of Roe vs. Wade, with dire consequences for women.
  • The poem and the accompanying commentary suggest that the double standards in society not only exacerbate the burden on pregnant women but also deny them the support and understanding they need.
  • The author implies that the current trajectory of abortion legislation in the U.S. is a step backward, threatening to undo progress made in women's rights and autonomy over their bodies.

Only Hers

A poem of double standards

Photo by Chema Photo on Unsplash

Some say, we’re pregnant — the ones with jobs and homes, the ones on track to somewhere, the ones with plans and schedules and health insurance.

But, she’s alone, all alone, the only one pregnant, the only one responsible, the only one whose life is upside-down, the only one crying.

Funny how she was the only one who made a mistake, the only one who disappointed everyone, the only one who has to decide to keep or discard what’s only hers.

Her mistake Her baby Her life Her choice Her regrets Her future

Republicans and American Christians are waging a war against abortion, and they’re winning. The Supreme Court just sided with a very restrictive abortion law in Texas. Other states are poised to pass similar laws. It’s inevitable that Roe vs. Wade will soon be debated before this ultra-conservative, Trump-stacked Supreme Court.

Women have always carried the burden of pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing. But, it’s going to get much worse very soon.

If the Court reverses Roe vs. Wade, all women lose.

© Dennett 2021

In response to this double standards prompt by Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她):

Writing Prompt Response
Double Standard
Roe Vs Wade
Pregnancy
Poetry
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