When thinking about bodily autonomy, what do you want most for your children? For you?

I want us to have it. I don't want it taken from us directly or indirectly. I don't want judgement from others (i want us all not to care when others judge). I want a system that supports and stands up for bodily autonomy for all.

To know that I am beautiful and powerful -- and that no person, policy, or platform has control of my personal and private health choices, health care, and bodily autonomy!

I’ve been planting these seeds for a long time. Because of navigating mysterious allergies early on, “check in with your body” is a normal phrase in our home. I want my children to trust their bodies and instincts—to know their bodies belong to them, that consent matters, and that no one gets to override their comfort. Sleepovers can end early, and friendships can have boundaries. I want them to understand they are not responsible for other people’s comfort at the expense of their own. By having age-appropriate control over their bodies now, I hope they’re better equipped to make healthy, informed choices as they grow.

I'd like to dream of a world where everyone has autonomy and control of their own body and all decisions. A world where we respect one another's body and maintain one's integrity when interacting with another's. And it seems like an idyllic utopia- far out of reach. And for why?? Should that not be merely our BASELINE?

Bodily autonomy is under attack in the US. I want all humans to have equitable access to medically accurate, culturally and age appropriate sexual health education, low to no cost reproductive health services, and abortion options in our country. My body is my body, your body is your body.

When I think about bodily autonomy, I want my children to feel a deep sense of trust in themselves—to recognize their instincts and honor what they truly desire and need. This is a lesson I am still learning in my 50s. I notice how easily I can slip into giving from a place of exhaustion, and I’m learning instead to pause and listen inward. By tending to myself first, I allow desire, generosity, and intimacy to arise naturally rather than from obligation. My hope is to offer this same permission to my children: the freedom to choose, to rest, and to give only when it feels true. I trust that when they are ready, this understanding will root itself in them, guiding them to a sense of freedom.
I want everyone to experience a robust sense of bodily autonomy - with abundant freedom, powerful agency and a strong sense of security. I want them to respect the same for others and know how to communication with shame, fear or hesitation. I also was them to be curious, explore, and find their own comforts and likes.

Recent Posts