DAY ONE

I'm not usually happy to get my period. Either because it's a pain in the ass to wake up just a bit too late and have another thing to deal with. Or because it's unappetizing to put my fingers up my vagina in the woods and walk around for the rest of the day with blood-stained briefs. Or maybe, it's because I wished I had gotten accidentally knocked up that month ;)

Tonight...as I was out for dinner....I noticed my consciousness sink into my stomach, and then my abdomen, my hips, my womb. Stiffness. Pain. Cramps. And...excitement. Tonight, with my hot water on my belly and hot moon tea in my cup, I am contemplating my journey that begins today. To explore, a little bit deeper, the meaning of each change that happens mentally, physically, emotionally - throughout my cycle.

I've been doing this for a while. Years actually. And what I've learned has offered tremendous insight...from rash (sometimes disastrous) decisions, bad dreams and insomnia to creative inspiration and my monthly desire to go for a run. But keeping track on paper is always a challenge and I know that when I do, that menstrual map is going to introduce me to the self that I have struggled to understand.

I'm loving the moon mysteries chart and have to say that I looked forward to today when I could officially put it to good use.

Day 1: (psyche) Spacey, tired, down. (physical) Bloated, zitty, dry skin, itchy. (other) Creative/crafty energy, super bad insomnia last night. (dreams) Big fat piece of chocolate cake....really. (word) Release.

Cultural Contraception

November has been a knowledge saturated month for me - i've indulged in learning across the spectrum of women's reproductive health: from embarking on a moon mysteries journey to better understanding my cycle to discussions on abortion rights and the high rates of eclampsia and obstetric fistulas leading to mortality and morbidity of women and infants in Africa. Alongside my new course in contraceptive management, my experiences this month have opened a new window into the complexities of the female experience - both that which is shared by all women across the globe and that which is so immensely different.

This continuum of reproductive health continues to challenge, intrigue and excite me. The mystery and significance of the menstrual cycle...the challenges and constraints of contraception...the significance of conception and the decisions, joys, burdens that come with that...and, the sheer magnitude of the act of birth and the vast array of ideals as to how to best execute that experience.

Lately, I have been particularly fired up about the potentially traumatic and devastating consequences of unplanned pregnancies. I have been on a mission to better understand why contraception works for some people and not others, what works for whom, and who gets access to what.

This multi-facted question deserves an equally tiered response - one that acknowledges the role of religion, politics, finances, illness, evidence and lifestyle. But I'm not about to launch into that right now. However, I would like to share some very brief and interesting insights into the foundational concepts that shape some religious contraceptive choices...straight from the BBC (see website for more religions). Whether you are religious or not, I think it is worthwhile to consider your own perceptions of conception and how that influences what options feel appropriate for you.

BUDDHISM

Buddhists believe that it is wrong to kill for any reason and fertilization is believed to be the moment when consciousness arises and life officially begins. Therefore, contraception that interferes with ovulation/fertilization is considered appropriate, whereas contraception that interferes with the development of a fertilized egg is not.
Contraceptive No-No's: IUD

JUDAISM

Jews believe that it is forbidden to "waste" seed. Therefore, contraception that does not interfere with the journey of semen to the uterus is appropriate. Barrier methods are not.
Contraceptive No-No's: condom, diaphragm, spermicide, etc.

ISLAM

The conversation around contraception in Islamic cultures is quite politically charged. The Qur'an does not explicitly condone or forbid any specific birth control. However, the Islamic culture has strong family values and believes children are gifts from god, so it is not acceptable to use contraceptive methods for early abortion or engage in contraception that permanently prevents the ability to conceive.
Contraceptive No-No's: tubal ligation, vasectomy

Moon Mysteries: Reclaiming Women's Menstrual Wisdom

Friday night book launch. What a nerd!

I'm super excited to check out "Moon Mysteries" tonight at Lunapads on Commercial Drive. When I heard about it I was full of jealousy. Not the raging type. More like the endearing envy you get for cool people who do cool things and you basically want to be them.

More words to come after actually reading the book, but you can check out this review on the Lunapads blog (more cool people doing cool things).

Abortion Democracy

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I could not find a better title for this post than the film itself...which I had the privilege of watching last week-end.

A compelling glimpse into the complexities of religion and politics and how they impact health care and human rights. There are many shocking elements to this documentary, not the least of which are the windows into the lives of various women who are so intensely dis-empowered by their sex.

The right to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is a deeply rooted and complicated question for many people - and many reasons. But at no point in all of history has conception been a female phenomenon (let's not discuss the tale of the Virgin Mary). And yet, it seems that for many of these women pregnancy and birth has become a gendered burden. One of fear, desperation, guilt, hopelessness, grief and often, mortality. 

And these are not issues exclusive to Poland, or South Africa, as illustrated in the film. They're everywhere. Despite our progress in reproductive and sexual health, women in Canada still struggle with this burden. Religion, politics and geography affect education and access to reproductive health services in Canada. The number of physician's trained to perform abortions have diminished significantly after a series of violent threats swept across the country in the 1990's. The few health care professionals who choose choice also choose chance.

This clinical skill is a choice based on personal values. Anyone who has studied in a health profession knows to leave their bias at the door. So, why does reproductive health remain an exception?