I fundamentally believe that freedom includes freedom from judgement. That means people need to be free to make decisions about reproduction (ANY decisions, not just abortion) without judgement or social pressures from others. Only then are people free to live their best lives which is directly related to improved mental health outcomes for the individual and for the society. The intersection between individualism and collectivism has much to be explored from a social/political context, as right now, it seems like they are treated as opposites when it benefits people with privilege and treated as one in the same when THAT benefits people with privilege. The reality is there is synthesis here that has yet to be materialized for the benefit of ALL people. For example, body autonomy is about individualism but the improved health (mental and physical) outcomes that come with this benefit the greater collective community in the long term. This topic, along with most topics involving personal and/or systemic change requires focusing on the long term outcomes as well as the short term.

One more specific note about body autonomy, this extends far beyond abortion care! This draws into topic including boundaries and reducing people pleasing, reducing perfectionism, teaching physical and emotional safety for children, and SO much more.