The attack on women in the U.S. has escalated to a new level in recent weeks.
We have seen how Adriana Smith’s body has been used as the latest experiment for the pro-life movement. After being declared brain dead at 8 weeks pregnant her body was kept on life support for more than 4 months, and her son was born prematurely due to her corpse starting to rot. How can we honor this amazing woman and keep her memory alive? First, we must remember who she was. She was a mother, a nurse, and a brilliant and beautiful woman. Second, we need to remember our nation’s long and brutal history between medicine and black women. We have been experimenting on these women since the 1800s and have continued to do so to this day. This needs to stop. Black women need to be listened to and believed. Adriana did the right thing and tried to get help. She had gone to the hospital and complained of severe headaches and was sent home. It was later discovered that she had multiple brain clots. She then suffered a stroke which led to her being declared brain dead. Our system let her down. Please honor her and her family by not only donating to her GoFundMe which I will link HERE.
There is also the assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman, who was gunned down in her home. She was a fierce protector of reproductive freedoms like abortion. She was also invested in growing early childhood education and paid family and medical leave. Women serving in political roles are making sacrifices that we don’t talk about enough. They are sacrificing their safety. Women in political roles are at least 3 times more likely to receive threats than men in similar roles.
Is it time for women to take a collective stand? When will enough be enough?
We must protect women…
Rest in Peace
Adriana Smith
June 15, 1994-Feburary 19, 2025
Melissa Hortman
May 27, 1970-June 14, 2025
Rai Lithiluxa