We can establish support networks for teenagers who must leave their homes or deal with the court system to obtain abortions. We can educate ourselves about alternative means of contraception and abortion such as traditional herbal methods. Much of this knowledge is kept alive by women in Native American and immigrant communities, and is being reclaimed by midwives, witches, herbal healers, and those who seek to develop health care outside the control of the medical establishment and the state. While we must demand that the government respect our right to reproductive freedom, we cannot rely on the state. Legislators have a poor record of accountability on reproductive issues and Supreme Court justices are accountable to no one.
Reproductive freedom is too crucial to be left to the state.
We must claim for ourselves the right of reproductive choice, and take control of our health care and our lives into our own hands. There are many things besides pregnancy that can make you miss a period, including stress, diet, lack of sleep, or a change in schedule. The signs of pregnancy may vary. Pregnancy tests are available through many clinics and medical practitioners. Family planning and women's health services often offer anonymous free pregnancy testing.