Mrs. Obama’s Speech Excerpt
The following is excerpted from Mrs. Obama’s speech on Saturday at a Kamala Harris rally in Kalamazoo, Mich.
As we gather here today, I want you to reflect on which presidential candidate truly prioritizes our reproductive health. This is an important moment to pause and consider the broader implications of this issue, particularly for women and girls. It’s not just about preserving a woman’s right to choose; it’s about something much deeper.
Unfortunately, we as women and girls have often been conditioned to shy away from discussing our reproductive health openly. Instead of feeling empowered, we have been taught to carry a sense of shame, effectively silencing the natural conversations surrounding how our bodies function. Many young girls transition into puberty without adequate knowledge of what to anticipate. This lack of information can lead to confusion and anxiety.
Moreover, countless women experience debilitating symptoms each month, such as severe cramps and nausea, yet too many suffer in silence, enduring pain alone. On the opposite end of the reproductive spectrum, women my age often find themselves bewildered by the changes their bodies are undergoing during menopause, which can bring about distressing hot flashes and feelings of depression.
To the men listening today, I ask for your understanding. Many women feel compelled to internalize their struggles, coping with pain without sharing it with anyone—be it our partners, friends, or even our healthcare providers. This silence only perpetuates the cycle of misunderstanding and stigma surrounding our reproductive health.
- We must break this cycle of shame.
- We need to foster open conversations about our bodies.
- Women’s health deserves to be prioritized, understood, and respected.
Let us strive for a future where every woman’s experience is acknowledged and valued, where we can speak freely about our health without fear or stigma. The stakes are too high for us to remain silent.