If you think overturning Roe v. Wade has nothing to do with you – or is an act worth celebrating – I invite you to read my story with an open heart. I am a deeply private person. I have good friends who will read this and say I had no idea. Moved by so many brave posts and a whole lotta Brene Brown I feel called to share what I consider none of your business. In November 1999 two years after giving birth to my brilliant, beautiful @chloe.kate I suffered a miscarriage. I despaired. Up to 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Just like female sexual pleasure is nothing like it is portrayed in film and tv, miscarriage is often not at all what you see in movies. I discovered that I lost my baby during a routine check-up when the ultrasound revealed no heartbeat. As is very common, my body did not naturally reject the fetus and waiting for it to do so is extremely dangerous to a woman’s health. A D&C (Dilation and Curettage) was required. In 1999, due to managed care, having this procedure done in a hospital was not an option for me like it was for my mother in the 1970s. I was referred to a doctor at an abortion clinic. Owing to politics, the person processing my intake was legally required to provide abortion counseling, to discuss my options, including rethinking “my choice” and keeping my baby. With tears streaming down my face I responded my baby is already fucking dead. It was dehumanizing and traumatizing. My husband and I got up and walked out. I called my doctor and she performed the procedure privately with a shot of novocaine. It's normally done under general anesthesia or an epidural. I am lucky. I had access to some of the best healthcare in the country. I am much blessed. 3 months later I was pregnant with my @hudson.abel who is human sunshine. 1 in 4. Where do you go now if you live in one of the 26 states banning abortion and you need a D&C? Women are being prosecuted for suffering miscarriages. Over 1200 in the last 16 years. If you are undergoing IVF, or are hoping for a miracle cure as a result of stem cell research, this impacts you. Democracy is messy & demands you show up and participate.