Iowa has long been a state synonymous with kindness and warmth. My grandmother, who lived here her entire life, lovingly describes Iowa as a place of neighborly friendliness and openness. But the Iowa I know now feels entirely different. It is marked by a dark and troubling political landscape that stands in sharp contrast to my grandmother’s memories.

61% of Iowans support access to safe, legal abortion. The recent decision to strip away those rights in a one-day special session in July 2023, which was neither fiscally responsible to taxpayers nor representative of the majority of Iowans, reflects a departure from the values ​​of kindness and respect my grandmother once knew.

Growing up in a small town in northern Iowa, I was used to a conservative environment where discussions of politically charged issues like abortion were rarely controversial. Until recently, issues like reproductive rights were best avoided at the kitchen table. However, the far-reaching impact of this legislation has brought these discussions into focus, even in my own family. My grandmother, who is in her 60s and as stubborn as can be, now recognizes the harsh reality of these restrictive laws. Her shift in perspective underscores how these issues, once considered far away, are now deeply personal.