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Dr. Fatemeh Rajaei-Rad accepts an award in Iran in Oct. 2024. (Screenshot / @dw_persian)

BY TARA JAMALI | After accepting an award for “distinguished doctor” while not wearing a veil, Iranian Dr. Fatemeh Rajaei-Rad was punished by having her medical license revoked, the president of the hospital where she worked was ousted, and authorities shut down her private practice and expelled her from the board of advisors at a medical university she had been a member of.

Despite crackdowns on mandatory veiling in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s killing, Iranian women continue to resist.

(Click here to read more)

Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson attend the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 14, 2024, in Santa Monica. (John Shearer / Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

BY LACRIESSIA MALONE | As enticing as the idea of the “strong Black woman” sounds, this myth of fierceness, fearlessness and resilience doesn’t hold up under the weight of the racism and sexism Black women face in trying to thrive daily. 

Enter the “soft life.” Soft life intentionally pursues an easy and peaceful life. A soft life is a lifestyle of comfort and relaxation with minimal challenges and stress. Black women rarely get to experience that and often are expected to be the backbone of their families. The ultimate goal is to thrive and enjoy life without having to endure hardships, pain or burdens. 

(Click here to read more) 

Protesters hold up a coffin in memory of women who have died from illegal abortions, to protest the Supreme Court’s decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case on June 24, 2022 in Atlanta. (Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images)

BY AMY ROGERS | “Everything was progressing normally until I went for my anatomy scan at 12 weeks. … I was a victim of Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws. Virginia’s Republican Governor Bob McDonnell had signed these regulations into law on July 1, 2011. I got the worst news of my life on Sept. 7, 2011. When I needed compassionate healthcare the most, I was left out in the cold to fend for myself. … I am most grateful for the beautiful, healthy daughter I conceived one year later. She changed my life in all the best ways and healed my wounded and broken heart. She is here because I had a federally protected right to make my own reproductive decisions.”

“Women and healthcare providers need Congress to do what many states have failed to do: Protect their reproductive rights by voting in support of HB 12, The Women’s Health Protection Act.” (Share your abortion story by emailing [email protected].)

(Click here to read more) 

Listen to United Bodies—a new podcast about the lived experience of health, from Ms. Studios, on Apple Podcasts + Spotify. 

Laughter is contagious. It literally extends our lives. Laughter can also help us reckon with circumstances we cannot control, like the ones our bodies put us in. Bodies are embarrassing and laughing about them helps break down the taboo. Essayist and humorist Samantha Irby joins to discuss the healing power of laughter on the latest episode of United Bodies.

We hope you'll listen, subscribe, rate and review today!

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