Abortion
The Supreme —and I use that word lightly—Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. This ruling has ended over 5 decades of reproductive rights and bodily autonomy for many women and people across the nation. Where do we go from here? For starters, know that abortion is still legal in most states, including my own, California. Click here to see your state’s position on abortion.
Below you will find resources for reproductive health both in-state and virtually.
Plan C — At-home abortion pills
Hey Jane — Virtual clinic
National Abortion Federation 1-800-772-9100 — Find a provider + financial aid
Cultivating Balance After An Abortion
Cry it out — Āyurveda maintains that crying is a natural urge that should not be suppressed. This is a natural detoxification process that helps us to heal and release. Holding back this urge can result in aggravation in both pitta and vata in the body.
Spend time in nature — Whether near water, mountains, the forest, your front porch, or a window. Nature is abundant in healing energy. Spending time in nature supports the parasympathetic nervous system which allows us to feel calm and secure. Find a spot where you can melt into nature and rest in her loving touch.
Favor warm, grounding meals — Roasted sweet potato, soups, and warm drinks are favorable for vata imbalances. If you’re experiencing anxiety or feel uneasy, try bringing in more earthy elements. Wrap yourself in a weighted blanket and grab a toasty beverage. These practices may help you feel safe and more connected to your body. Try the recipe below from Yoga Mama Yoga Baby by Margo Shapiro Bachman.
Squash, Carrot, and Ginger Soup
Ingredients
1 medium to large butternut squash
2 medium sweet potatoes
8 cups of water + extra for baking squash
8 medium carrots
3 slices of fresh ginger, 1/4-inch thick each
1 (13- or 14-ounce) can of coconut milk
1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
1/2 tablespoon coriander
1/2 tablespoon allspice
2 teaspoons sea salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, and place it cut side down on the baking sheet. Add 1/4 inch of water.
Clean and scrub the sweet potatoes, pierce them deeply with a fork, and place on a separate baking sheet.
Bake the squash and the sweet potatoes until soft, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
While the squash and sweet potatoes are cooking, place 8 cups of water in a large soup pot and begin heating on high.
Scrub carrots, chop off and discard both ends, and chop into 2-inch pieces. Add the carrots and ginger to the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the carrots and ginger rest in the vegetable broth that’s been created.
When the squash and sweet potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool. Scoop out the flesh of the squash and add it to the soup pot. Peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into pieces, and add them to the soup.
Add the coconut milk, spices, and salt.
Blend the mixture in a blender or in the pot with a wand mixer until smooth.
Note from Constance:
Due to the body preparing for birth, both Vata and Kapha are aggravated after an abortion. Kapha is high due to the natural weight gain and building properties of pregnancy. Vata is high from the newfound spaciousness that lies in the abdomen afterwards. It is important to nurture yourself during this process. However you are feeling, know that you have ultimate authority over your body and its healing mechanisms. Beyond the smoke and mirrors, no one can impede on your internal world. Don’t let the happenings of this 3D realm shake you from your highest vibration.
For mental health support, click here. For private post-partum yoga with me, click here.
