Renee Knake Jefferson
@legalethics.bsky.social
Doherty Chair in Legal Ethics at the University of Houston | writing at legalethics.substack.com | author of Shortlisted: Women in the Shadows of the Supreme Court (2020) and Law Democratized: A Blueprint for Solving the Justice Crisis (2024)
Same! On 7/4 🎆
February 13, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Same! On 7/4 🎆
20/20🧵 For more info on repro health: @19thnews.bsky.social @leahlitman.bsky.social @rtraister.bsky.social @lsepper.bsky.social @profmmurray.bsky.social @jillfilipovic.bsky.social @maryrziegler.bsky.social @strictscrutiny.bsky.social @lauraportuondo.bsky.social
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-50-...
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-50-...
Pregnant at 50, I faced life and death dictated by state borders
The national dialog is appallingly simplistic about the "pro-choice" vs. "pro-life" debate. It fails to capture the complexities.
www.newsweek.com
October 12, 2024 at 4:26 PM
19/20🧵 Life and death shouldn't be arbitrarily determined by geographic borders.
When politicians say, "leave it to the states" they mean "leave women to die."
#AbortionIsHealthcare
Read the rest of my story below and please share it if it resonates with you
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-50-...
When politicians say, "leave it to the states" they mean "leave women to die."
#AbortionIsHealthcare
Read the rest of my story below and please share it if it resonates with you
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-50-...
Pregnant at 50, I faced life and death dictated by state borders
The national dialog is appallingly simplistic about the "pro-choice" vs. "pro-life" debate. It fails to capture the complexities.
www.newsweek.com
October 12, 2024 at 4:20 PM
19/20🧵 Life and death shouldn't be arbitrarily determined by geographic borders.
When politicians say, "leave it to the states" they mean "leave women to die."
#AbortionIsHealthcare
Read the rest of my story below and please share it if it resonates with you
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-50-...
When politicians say, "leave it to the states" they mean "leave women to die."
#AbortionIsHealthcare
Read the rest of my story below and please share it if it resonates with you
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-50-...
18/20🧵 I am grateful for the abortion I never wanted and didn't choose, but allowed me to continue living.
It's outrageous that 1 in 3 women live in places where they would not receive the same life-saving care I did.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
It's outrageous that 1 in 3 women live in places where they would not receive the same life-saving care I did.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country
The New York Times is tracking the status of abortion laws in each state following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
www.nytimes.com
October 12, 2024 at 4:19 PM
18/20🧵 I am grateful for the abortion I never wanted and didn't choose, but allowed me to continue living.
It's outrageous that 1 in 3 women live in places where they would not receive the same life-saving care I did.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
It's outrageous that 1 in 3 women live in places where they would not receive the same life-saving care I did.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
17/20🧵 Lawmakers don't understand biology. We need better education on dangers of ectopic and cancerous molar pregnancies.
Abortion is a safe procedure to save a woman's life & preserve her reproductive organs for future healthy births.
@jessicavalenti.bsky.social
gen.medium.com/anti-abortio...
Abortion is a safe procedure to save a woman's life & preserve her reproductive organs for future healthy births.
@jessicavalenti.bsky.social
gen.medium.com/anti-abortio...
Anti-Abortion Lawmakers Have No Idea How Women’s Bodies Work
We cannot ask women to follow laws written by men who believe our bodies work like a game of ‘Marble Run’
gen.medium.com
October 12, 2024 at 4:19 PM
17/20🧵 Lawmakers don't understand biology. We need better education on dangers of ectopic and cancerous molar pregnancies.
Abortion is a safe procedure to save a woman's life & preserve her reproductive organs for future healthy births.
@jessicavalenti.bsky.social
gen.medium.com/anti-abortio...
Abortion is a safe procedure to save a woman's life & preserve her reproductive organs for future healthy births.
@jessicavalenti.bsky.social
gen.medium.com/anti-abortio...
16/20🧵 The national dialog is appallingly simplistic about the "pro-choice" vs. "pro-life" debate.
It fails to capture the complexities and complications of conception.
It wrongly contributes to the shaming and blaming of women.
@PostOpinions.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com
wapo.st/3U3TPg8
It fails to capture the complexities and complications of conception.
It wrongly contributes to the shaming and blaming of women.
@PostOpinions.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com
wapo.st/3U3TPg8
Opinion | I had a late-term abortion. But saying I’m ‘pro-choice’ is a problem.
“Choice” is the last term that feels authentic when describing the predicament my husband and I found ourselves in. We need new words.
wapo.st
October 12, 2024 at 4:17 PM
16/20🧵 The national dialog is appallingly simplistic about the "pro-choice" vs. "pro-life" debate.
It fails to capture the complexities and complications of conception.
It wrongly contributes to the shaming and blaming of women.
@PostOpinions.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com
wapo.st/3U3TPg8
It fails to capture the complexities and complications of conception.
It wrongly contributes to the shaming and blaming of women.
@PostOpinions.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com
wapo.st/3U3TPg8
15/20🧵 Since the 1970s, abortion has been framed as a matter of women's autonomy and choice.
However, my abortion was everything BUT a choice; it was a matter of life or death, and only one life—mine.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
However, my abortion was everything BUT a choice; it was a matter of life or death, and only one life—mine.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
October 12, 2024 at 4:16 PM
15/20🧵 Since the 1970s, abortion has been framed as a matter of women's autonomy and choice.
However, my abortion was everything BUT a choice; it was a matter of life or death, and only one life—mine.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
However, my abortion was everything BUT a choice; it was a matter of life or death, and only one life—mine.
#AbortionIsHealthcare
14/20🧵 The only thing more shocking than a pregnancy at 50 is becoming part of the 1 in 4 women who receive an abortion. @guttmacher.bsky.social
Never thought it would be me. As the only child of Southern Baptist evangelicals, I was taught abortion is a sin.
www.guttmacher.org/news-release...
Never thought it would be me. As the only child of Southern Baptist evangelicals, I was taught abortion is a sin.
www.guttmacher.org/news-release...
One in Four US Women Expected to Have an Abortion in Their Lifetime
www.guttmacher.org
October 12, 2024 at 4:16 PM
14/20🧵 The only thing more shocking than a pregnancy at 50 is becoming part of the 1 in 4 women who receive an abortion. @guttmacher.bsky.social
Never thought it would be me. As the only child of Southern Baptist evangelicals, I was taught abortion is a sin.
www.guttmacher.org/news-release...
Never thought it would be me. As the only child of Southern Baptist evangelicals, I was taught abortion is a sin.
www.guttmacher.org/news-release...
13/20🧵
As I recovered, I thought about the women who have died.
Amber Nicole Thurman needed a routine D&C when fetal tissue failed to expel fully.
B/C of GA law, she didn't survive, and left behind a 6-year-old son.
@propublica.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
As I recovered, I thought about the women who have died.
Amber Nicole Thurman needed a routine D&C when fetal tissue failed to expel fully.
B/C of GA law, she didn't survive, and left behind a 6-year-old son.
@propublica.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable.
At least two women in Georgia died after they couldn’t access legal abortions and timely medical care in their state, ProPublica has found. This is one of their stories.
www.propublica.org
October 12, 2024 at 4:12 PM
13/20🧵
As I recovered, I thought about the women who have died.
Amber Nicole Thurman needed a routine D&C when fetal tissue failed to expel fully.
B/C of GA law, she didn't survive, and left behind a 6-year-old son.
@propublica.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
As I recovered, I thought about the women who have died.
Amber Nicole Thurman needed a routine D&C when fetal tissue failed to expel fully.
B/C of GA law, she didn't survive, and left behind a 6-year-old son.
@propublica.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
12/20🧵
As I recovered, I thought of women in other states left to suffer
Carmen Broesder endured a painful, nineteen-day miscarriage before ID hospital would treat
Her heart suffered irreparable damage
@RollingStone.com.web.brid.gy @NancyDillon.bsky.social
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
As I recovered, I thought of women in other states left to suffer
Carmen Broesder endured a painful, nineteen-day miscarriage before ID hospital would treat
Her heart suffered irreparable damage
@RollingStone.com.web.brid.gy @NancyDillon.bsky.social
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Trump Aide Says 'Bleeding Out' Due to Abortion Bans Is Not Real. She Lived It: 'I'm Right Here, Jerk'
Trump loyalist John McEntee disputed Kamala Harris' debate line about women nearly dying from abortion bans. It happened to Carmen Broesder in Idaho.
www.rollingstone.com
October 12, 2024 at 4:09 PM
12/20🧵
As I recovered, I thought of women in other states left to suffer
Carmen Broesder endured a painful, nineteen-day miscarriage before ID hospital would treat
Her heart suffered irreparable damage
@RollingStone.com.web.brid.gy @NancyDillon.bsky.social
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
As I recovered, I thought of women in other states left to suffer
Carmen Broesder endured a painful, nineteen-day miscarriage before ID hospital would treat
Her heart suffered irreparable damage
@RollingStone.com.web.brid.gy @NancyDillon.bsky.social
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
11/20🧵 In OK, woman w/ the same molar preg diagnosis as me was sent to PARKING LOT to wait for heart or organ failure.
"cannot touch you unless you are crashing in front of us or your blood pressure goes so high that you are fixing to have a heart attack."
@NPR.org
www.npr.org/sections/hea...
"cannot touch you unless you are crashing in front of us or your blood pressure goes so high that you are fixing to have a heart attack."
@NPR.org
www.npr.org/sections/hea...
In Oklahoma, a woman was told to wait until she's 'crashing' for abortion care
A new study shows women who call the hospitals in Oklahoma get confusing information about the state's abortion bans. One family lived through that confusion with dire consequences last month.
www.npr.org
October 12, 2024 at 4:08 PM
11/20🧵 In OK, woman w/ the same molar preg diagnosis as me was sent to PARKING LOT to wait for heart or organ failure.
"cannot touch you unless you are crashing in front of us or your blood pressure goes so high that you are fixing to have a heart attack."
@NPR.org
www.npr.org/sections/hea...
"cannot touch you unless you are crashing in front of us or your blood pressure goes so high that you are fixing to have a heart attack."
@NPR.org
www.npr.org/sections/hea...
10/20🧵 After slicing my belly to insert a camera, my dr found no ectopic pregnancy.
Instead, it was a molar pregnancy, which becomes a fast-spreading cancer in the liver & brain if untreated.
I needed a "D&C," AKA a dilation and curettage—an abortion.
www.newsweek.com/womans-posit...
Instead, it was a molar pregnancy, which becomes a fast-spreading cancer in the liver & brain if untreated.
I needed a "D&C," AKA a dilation and curettage—an abortion.
www.newsweek.com/womans-posit...
Woman's positive pregnancy test turns into shocking cancer diagnosis
Following her case, Vanessa Drummond is urging people to seek a second opinion if something doesn't feel right.
www.newsweek.com
October 12, 2024 at 4:06 PM
10/20🧵 After slicing my belly to insert a camera, my dr found no ectopic pregnancy.
Instead, it was a molar pregnancy, which becomes a fast-spreading cancer in the liver & brain if untreated.
I needed a "D&C," AKA a dilation and curettage—an abortion.
www.newsweek.com/womans-posit...
Instead, it was a molar pregnancy, which becomes a fast-spreading cancer in the liver & brain if untreated.
I needed a "D&C," AKA a dilation and curettage—an abortion.
www.newsweek.com/womans-posit...
9/20🧵 Fortunately, I was in Michigan. My dr scheduled surgery.
In some states, I'd be told to wait for egg to explode & bleed out like Kyleigh Thurman. After 3 days of bleeding, the egg growing on her fallopian tube ruptured, destroying her reproductive system.
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-wom...
In some states, I'd be told to wait for egg to explode & bleed out like Kyleigh Thurman. After 3 days of bleeding, the egg growing on her fallopian tube ruptured, destroying her reproductive system.
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-wom...
More than 100 pregnant women in distress turned away from ERs: Report
One woman was told to "let nature take its course" and sent home without treatment for her ectopic pregnancy.
www.newsweek.com
October 12, 2024 at 4:03 PM
9/20🧵 Fortunately, I was in Michigan. My dr scheduled surgery.
In some states, I'd be told to wait for egg to explode & bleed out like Kyleigh Thurman. After 3 days of bleeding, the egg growing on her fallopian tube ruptured, destroying her reproductive system.
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-wom...
In some states, I'd be told to wait for egg to explode & bleed out like Kyleigh Thurman. After 3 days of bleeding, the egg growing on her fallopian tube ruptured, destroying her reproductive system.
www.newsweek.com/pregnant-wom...
8/20🧵 I knew something was wrong when my doctor walked in with a diagram of fallopian tubes.
"Have you heard of an ectopic pregnancy?"
The miracle in my womb was now a ticking timebomb.
"This is a dangerous situation," she explained. "Life-threatening."
health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlin...
"Have you heard of an ectopic pregnancy?"
The miracle in my womb was now a ticking timebomb.
"This is a dangerous situation," she explained. "Life-threatening."
health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlin...
7 things to know about ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of death during the first trimester of pregnancy and a condition that women should know about. Mitchell Creinin, chief of family planning at UC Davis Health,...
health.ucdavis.edu
October 12, 2024 at 4:01 PM
8/20🧵 I knew something was wrong when my doctor walked in with a diagram of fallopian tubes.
"Have you heard of an ectopic pregnancy?"
The miracle in my womb was now a ticking timebomb.
"This is a dangerous situation," she explained. "Life-threatening."
health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlin...
"Have you heard of an ectopic pregnancy?"
The miracle in my womb was now a ticking timebomb.
"This is a dangerous situation," she explained. "Life-threatening."
health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlin...
7/20🧵 Ohio GOP Senate candidate Moreno mocked women like me:"especially for women that are like past 50 - I don't think that's an issue for you"
I have news for him.
Women past 50 still have sex, and become pregnant.
I did.
www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo... @maddow.bsky.social @MSNBC.bsky.social
I have news for him.
Women past 50 still have sex, and become pregnant.
I did.
www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo... @maddow.bsky.social @MSNBC.bsky.social
GOP's Moreno: Women’s focus on abortion rights is ‘a little crazy’
Just when it seemed Republicans’ rhetoric on abortion rights couldn’t get much worse, Donald Trump and Ohio’s Bernie Moreno weighed in with new comments.
www.msnbc.com
October 12, 2024 at 3:59 PM
7/20🧵 Ohio GOP Senate candidate Moreno mocked women like me:"especially for women that are like past 50 - I don't think that's an issue for you"
I have news for him.
Women past 50 still have sex, and become pregnant.
I did.
www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo... @maddow.bsky.social @MSNBC.bsky.social
I have news for him.
Women past 50 still have sex, and become pregnant.
I did.
www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo... @maddow.bsky.social @MSNBC.bsky.social
6/20🧵 I texted a photo of the positive pregnancy tests to my husband.
Suddenly something neither of us knew we wanted in both of our second marriages became the most important thing we could ever do together.
As we walked the dog, we envisioned pushing a stroller.
Suddenly something neither of us knew we wanted in both of our second marriages became the most important thing we could ever do together.
As we walked the dog, we envisioned pushing a stroller.
October 12, 2024 at 3:58 PM
6/20🧵 I texted a photo of the positive pregnancy tests to my husband.
Suddenly something neither of us knew we wanted in both of our second marriages became the most important thing we could ever do together.
As we walked the dog, we envisioned pushing a stroller.
Suddenly something neither of us knew we wanted in both of our second marriages became the most important thing we could ever do together.
As we walked the dog, we envisioned pushing a stroller.
5/20🧵 Oldest mother to conceive naturally is Dawn Brooke @ 59 - she feared publicity.
When Maria del Carmen Bousada IVF birth at 66, many called her "desire to be a mother selfish and irresponsible."
I felt ashamed. I wondered if I shd end the pregnancy.
www.thedailybeast.com/worlds-oldes...
When Maria del Carmen Bousada IVF birth at 66, many called her "desire to be a mother selfish and irresponsible."
I felt ashamed. I wondered if I shd end the pregnancy.
www.thedailybeast.com/worlds-oldes...
World's Oldest Moms
From a great-grandmother who just had her 12th kid to a 66-year-old who lied to get IVF, meet 10 miracle mothers who raise the question how old is too old?
www.thedailybeast.com
October 12, 2024 at 3:57 PM
5/20🧵 Oldest mother to conceive naturally is Dawn Brooke @ 59 - she feared publicity.
When Maria del Carmen Bousada IVF birth at 66, many called her "desire to be a mother selfish and irresponsible."
I felt ashamed. I wondered if I shd end the pregnancy.
www.thedailybeast.com/worlds-oldes...
When Maria del Carmen Bousada IVF birth at 66, many called her "desire to be a mother selfish and irresponsible."
I felt ashamed. I wondered if I shd end the pregnancy.
www.thedailybeast.com/worlds-oldes...
4/20🧵 I pondered names, Evangeline for a girl, after the Brandi Carlile song; Wallace for a boy, after his father.
I also panicked. I Googled "is it safe to have a baby after 50"
The results? Not promising: "high risk," "complications preeclampsia, miscarriage," "likely to suffer a stroke."
I also panicked. I Googled "is it safe to have a baby after 50"
The results? Not promising: "high risk," "complications preeclampsia, miscarriage," "likely to suffer a stroke."
October 12, 2024 at 3:54 PM
4/20🧵 I pondered names, Evangeline for a girl, after the Brandi Carlile song; Wallace for a boy, after his father.
I also panicked. I Googled "is it safe to have a baby after 50"
The results? Not promising: "high risk," "complications preeclampsia, miscarriage," "likely to suffer a stroke."
I also panicked. I Googled "is it safe to have a baby after 50"
The results? Not promising: "high risk," "complications preeclampsia, miscarriage," "likely to suffer a stroke."
3/20🧵The plus sign turned blue, confirming what my body knew but my mind wanted to deny.
I peed on a second stick, just in case the first test was wrong.
Another blue plus sign.
I peed on a second stick, just in case the first test was wrong.
Another blue plus sign.
October 12, 2024 at 3:52 PM
3/20🧵The plus sign turned blue, confirming what my body knew but my mind wanted to deny.
I peed on a second stick, just in case the first test was wrong.
Another blue plus sign.
I peed on a second stick, just in case the first test was wrong.
Another blue plus sign.
2/20🧵A queasy stomach and swelling breasts were signs I couldn't ignore
I tore open a box of expired pregnancy tests languishing in a far back cabinet.
As I peed carefully on the plastic stick, I did some math.
A baby would graduate high school when I'm 68...
I tore open a box of expired pregnancy tests languishing in a far back cabinet.
As I peed carefully on the plastic stick, I did some math.
A baby would graduate high school when I'm 68...
October 12, 2024 at 3:51 PM
2/20🧵A queasy stomach and swelling breasts were signs I couldn't ignore
I tore open a box of expired pregnancy tests languishing in a far back cabinet.
As I peed carefully on the plastic stick, I did some math.
A baby would graduate high school when I'm 68...
I tore open a box of expired pregnancy tests languishing in a far back cabinet.
As I peed carefully on the plastic stick, I did some math.
A baby would graduate high school when I'm 68...