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Dobbs (No Relation)
On Grieving the Outcome of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
Most days this account is used to store articles that explain, enlighten, and argue on behalf of. Occasionally, there’s a story. But, this article is straying from that. It’s off genre, poorly edited, hotly written. I’m not sorry.
It would feel ingenuine to talk about anything else today, this week, indefinitely until the issue is resolved. My heart is broken. Today, tomorrow, I mourn with the United States of America.
My name is Olivia Dobbs (no relation). I do not stand with Thomas Dobbs. His choice to continue this case stands in direct opposition to my own ability to choose. He’s disgraced all Dobbs’ henceforth. Because of Thomas, I’m embarrassed to be called a Dobbs. Thomas, kindly go fuck yourself.
Every time I see the court case I’m reminded of my family, especially those who don’t believe in my right to bodily autonomy. Back East, I reckon they’re hooting and hollering in their bible belt churches.
“Finally,” they’ll say, “a reason to be proud of our name.”
Once upon a time, the plan was to be the first Dr. Dobbs in my immediate family. Now? I question whether this name deserves the Ph.D. Isn’t it fitting that one Dobbs’ dream of giving the family a…
