Nevertheless, We Persist.

The Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti wrote, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”   My job as a therapist is to provide compassionate support and hold space for those who are struggling regardless of their personal–or political–beliefs. But I am also human, a Jewish American woman and mother of two, living in a society that does not systemically protect or value the lives of our most vulnerable–women and children–especially those from minority communities and/or of lower socio-economic status.


Even though I am ambivalent about the prognosis of our country, I am aware of the privilege it is to be able to express this safely. I am also proud to live in a state where abortion is not only legal but now expanded with an Equal Protection Clause. This includes “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex–including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive health care and autonomy.” The passing of Proposition 1 has helped to enshrine abortion rights into the NY state constitution. This may feel like a small victory for those of us disappointed by election results. But for those of us also advocating for reproductive freedom and perinatal mental health, our work is more important–even revolutionary–now more than ever. Protecting and empowering women’s bodily autonomy and supporting our caregivers now has a direct impact on the well-being of the next generation–infusing humanity, hope, and compassion into a deeply troubled country. Nevertheless, we persist.

Post by Sharon Itkoff Nacache ATR-BC LCAT LPAT PMH-C
Original photograph by Thái An via Unsplash