I know your TED talk has been in circulation for some time now, but I wanted to let you know that it is still empowering and comforting all the more women.

…I hope your video, and similar videos alike, can truly make an impact in society and the medical field, because I too have looked into sterilization but don’t have the monetary or emotional means…

I’ve already sent your video to multiple friends of the same mindset, and it will be the first thing I recommend the next time someone says, ‘Oh, you’ll change your mind’ to me.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For all of us.”

—Ali (via email)

 Your talk made me feel so empowered and validated. I’m so grateful that I stumbled upon your video; I so appreciate you and your work.
Thank you for being so steadfast in your beliefs and paving the way for us.”

—Hope (via email)

…[Let me express] how grateful I am to have listened to your talk over my morning coffee. You truly are an inspiration to those that want to be treated with respect for their individuality, regardless of what society forces on them. Thank you!”

—John (via email)

…I just want to thank you for standing up to society’s idea of “normal” and speaking out. I feel so empowered, inspired and motivated by your words.”
—via email

Hello, I watched your TED Talk last night and you were literally telling me my own story… I FINALLY after over 7 years of trying got my tubes removed. I found an amazing doctor who didn’t ask me questions, just told me what was going to happen, totally supportive… I know how lucky I am to have her.

…[My former doctor] tried to talk me out of it, asked me “what does your boyfriend think about this? What if you break up?” and no one would even consider it until I was over 30. Like 30 is a magic number or something. Even after I got the procedure I went back and he says to me “So you talked them into it?” I felt just as you were describing. Thank you ! Thank you ! For taking this issue to a wider audience. I don’t understand why it is this way. Maybe you have started this path of change.”

—via Facebook message

Hi Christen! Last night I watched your Ted Talk and it really inspired me. I have always known that I do not want to give birth to a child. When I tell my mom this, tears build in her eyes and she says that since I am young I am just saying that. God gave you a gift to have children and you will have them. It’s always been a struggle for me when she says that. I feel like I am not the daughter she hoped for. I tell her that I am going to foster and adopt kids and give a child a loving home to live in. I really do not see what is wrong with that. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the message my mother should have.”

—via Facebook message

…I was one of the volunteers and attendees of the TedxMileHigh-Women’s event… [and] your talk was inspiring and also captivating. Using your voice to deconstruct this idea of predetermined “roles” set by our society and culture, was truly moving.

Having dealt with identity issues, as well as my “role” in our society I resonated with your voice and reason…

…You’re a profound individual Christen and I really do admire your intellect.”

—via Facebook message

I was so moved by your talk at TEDxMilehighWomen2016, Christen. Thanks for sharing such a personal journey with us.”

—via Facebook message

–via Instagram

Gone should be the days of asking women, “When are you having a baby?” The societal prescription for babies isn’t for everyone, and sometimes it’s just not that easy a thing to do! – * –

One in five women in the United States will not have a biological child, and Christen Reighter is one of them. From a young age, she knew she didn’t want kids, in spite of the insistence of many people (including her doctor) who told her she’d change her mind. In this powerful talk, she shares her story of seeking sterilization — and makes the case that motherhood is an extension of womanhood, not the definition.

stateofthewoman #SOTW
#women #womensaffairs#womeninthenews #stripperstrike#womensmarch #girlpower #equalpay#staywoke #womancrushwednesday#girlstuff #girlgang #girlboss#womenwhowork #bopo #selfcare#selflove #Womensmarch #tedxwomen#startups #grlpwr #feminist #feminism#potd #millennial #influencer #femme#news #ladygang

A post shared by State Of The Woman (@stateofthewoman) on Jan 26, 2018 at 9:16am PST