When will women gain the right to make decisions that impact on their wellbeing?

There is a storm brewing in Texas, one so familiar that it brings about a chill that changes the landscape of things.

The conversation of abortion has again reared its head. I have no opinion on terminations of pregnancies because I believe our beliefs and wants are different.

We have come to accept heterosexual relationships, but have drawn the line at accepting other life choices. We question single-parent homes, labelling them as the decay of our moral fibre.

We accept that norms and standards define the roles of boys and girls, but question these when children grow into adults who want to have the freedom to define their sexuality.

It is for this reason that life is not always black and white.

As a woman, I believe in the power to make decisions where my body is concerned. I remember when I gave birth to my son, I was adamant I wanted no more children and requested my tubes be tied and the procedure made irreversible.

This request was rejected and although over the years the decision to not have more children has wavered, I remain appalled that I had to beg and plead to somebody to make the decision for me.

I appreciate my doctors, but in that moment I did not believe that one held the right to make decisions for me. I have heard of men who walk into clinics to have vasectomies and the requirements for them to get the go-ahead do not come anywhere near what is expected of women.

The least women should be afforded is the right to make decisions that they will carry for the remainder of their lives.

While terminations should never be a preventative measure, they should be seen as an alternative in dire circumstances.

It should be accepted that women have the right to make these decisions.

Women’s bodies change after birth – incontinence, memory loss – the list is endless.

So, when will women gain the right to make decisions that impact on their future wellbeing?