Abortion Care is Love

If you haven't already heard, there is a possibility that Roe v. Wade may be overturned. This has wide-ranging impacts that include barring access to safe abortions, but also trans healthcare and medical privacy. The news is horrific, but not entirely shocking given that we live in a patriarchal, colonial culture that prioritizes controlling certain people's bodies over autonomy and reproductive rights.

I pulled three cards today from the Kapwa Tarot:

1. Lima ng balahibo ng ibon
2. Nakatanda ng balat
3. XX Headhunter

All three cards show themes of being held: the handler of the champion cock fighter, the elder holding a person as they sleep, a headhunter being held by ancestors while holding the skulls of enemies. I see struggle and conflict. I see the challenge to step up and fight for ourselves and our communities. We must be ready to right the imbalance of power and seek justice for the violations. The strength to do this is seated in our own relationship to healing and rest. Our ancestors hold us, protect us, giving us the ability to rest and dream of something better. They bring us wisdom, introspection, and rootedness. It is a message to take care of ourselves as we rise against oppressive forces.

A traditional part of hilot was abortion care through methods like herbal medicine and massage. There are some practitioners in the Philippines who still practice this. Hilot pre-dates colonization, Catholicism, and the United States. We stand on the shoulders of ancestors that have fought for and cared for their communities. That fills me with so much strength and gratitude.

Even with this knowledge, I can still fall into despair as people's access to healthcare is stripped away. I remind myself now and again to take my own medicine, to love on myself, and to feel whatever it is I need to feel. When I am ready, I regulate my nervous system. 

Complete article available on Patreon.