READER ADVISORY: This story relays a staggering incident in the life of an Ohio woman interrupted in the midst of planning her pregnancy by the sudden passage of the “heartbeat bill,” the 6-week ban on abortion passed by the Ohio Legislature and signed by Governor Mike DeWine banning abortion after 6 weeks. Portions of this story include a recording of the actual voice mail she received, abruptly cancelling her procedure, and her struggles to manage her reproductive health. Some elements of this story may be triggering to some of the many women and family members who have endured a similar situation.
By CoolCleveland correspondent Liv Ream
I would say receiving this voicemail the morning of June 25 made me nauseated, but that would have been the case, for me, regardless. I had woken up sick every day for the past two weeks, the longest 14 days of my life. I was held captive by the failure of birth control and the miracle of life.
I heard Sherri’s matter-of-fact voice trail off as my phone fell in my lap. My appointment was scheduled, paid for and now canceled. For the first time in human history, a government employee worked past 5 PM, in the effort to make my body a temple for moral grandstanding.
I began picturing ingredients in my kitchen cupboards that would do the trick. I was desperate and panicking, but I was still goal-oriented. My safe options had been deemed illegal, missing the window by six weeks and one day.
My determination dissolved and only denial was left. I called Northeast Ohio Women’s Center, managing to sputter at a receptionist, “You canceled my appointment,” before the heavy, ugly sobs took over. These cries were immediately accompanied by the other end of the call, the same devastated sounds.
After our shared commiseration, she pointed me toward resources that, luckily, I had access to. I still think about the women who didn’t, the casualties of the Ohio legislature and Governor Mike DeWine’s commitment to the health and success of Ohio families.
I know I ended up being okay and I should be grateful that I didn’t have to poison or kill myself. The gnawing thought at the back of my head is: I woke up one day with fewer rights than when I went to sleep. And why did this happen? Am I supposed to accept the fact that elderly, frog-like men, with suspicious ties to FirstEnergy, get to make laws about abortion? Not everyone wants eight kids, Mike.
Click here to listen to the voice mail message Liv received:
Liv Ream is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for the University of Akron publication The Buchtelite, founded in 1889. She is majoring in Public Relations and spends her time writing, painting, and forcing her friends to participate in her experimental horror projects. Liv plans on pursuing a career in journalism and the arts.