"Not being able to have children was no great loss and no more bleeding was a cause for celebration."

“At 20 I was referred by a co-worker to a doctor who performed tubal ligations. It being the 70s, I had to bring in my husband so that he could confirm I had his permission.

My husband was my best friend, and gay, and our marriage allowed his family to get off his back. He hadn’t come out yet. We found my need for his permission rather comical and I informed the doctor it was my body and I decided what I wanted. My husband agreed with a smile and the doctor had no choice but to perform it. He was rather taken aback that I had spoken so decisively and didn’t need my husband’s permission and that I was very vocal about my rights.

I couldn’t take birth control pills, even the mildest ones made me throw up. At 37 years old, I developed uterine cancer and had a hysterectomy. I assured the doctor, who tried to be delicate when he informed me I would not be able to have children, that it was no great loss and no more bleeding was a cause for celebration.

I enjoy my life and am free to do whatever I wish. I was asked a few times “How do you know you won’t change your mind if you don’t try it?” To which I responded “And when I don’t enjoy it, what do I do with the baby, throw it out?” That always horrified them and left them speechless. I think it was more polite than telling them to mind their own business.” ⁠