Tu-Be or Not Tu-Be Tied

I just re-read an old post (Fredder), where I casually mentioned having my tubes tied.  I was in my late 20s, and at the time (early '80s) needed my husband's permission.  Fred was in the Army so as a Dependent-Wife, the military controlled my medical care.  I'd been taking birth-control pills ever since having an abortion the year after Roe v. Wade, and as I'd not changed my mind I wanted it made permanent.

Therefore, what's happening now with the Supreme Court and Congress regarding women's health no longer affects me, thank God.  For 50 years I've taken for granted that other's daughters and granddaughters would have the same hard-won rights; but as I read my words, "...I had my tubes tied," I couldn't help wondering if that is or will become illegal in different states, too?

When I shared my news with other D/W friends, all save one with children, they were astonished and asked how I managed to talk the military doctor into performing that trick.  I was childless and still young enough to propagate; but even though my friends already had 2 or 3 they were refused.

"When the doctor asked if I have any children I said my husband has 2 daughters living with us."

That was a white-lie.*  The girls were living with us, for the summer, but what the hell was the difference?

"Oh, well then, approved."  I got lucky.

And snip-snip it was over.  My friends asked why hubby didn't just have a vasectomy, a simpler procedure, and I replied (sic),

"If something happens (with our marriage), what if his next wife wants children?  And since I'm the one who doesn't want them, I'd still have the same problem."

So I wonder, does witholding care from women also include having one's tubes tied?  Or, now that I think of it, prevent vasectomies for men?  I've heard conspiracy theories in which a certain group (which will remain nameless) wants more (white, of the right persuasion) babies.  Poppycock, I thought; until I heard Trump declare,

"We want babies...lots and lots of babies."

As part of the military for 14 years, (we) had no say over which state or country we'd be assigned; so should varying state laws apply to the the unwilling or unable?  You know what I mean.  Then equally unfair is to penalize young girls and women who, for whatever reason, are stuck in the state they're in.

If I didn't have the choices I did, I would not have been able to live my 'authentic' life (I'm trying to relate); and no one, no one, has the right to decide what that is but me.

In conclusion, although I'm no longer affected, please, R or D, support those who vow to avoid the most extreme limits to abortions and give the gals a chance.  Not everyone is suited for parenthood and that isn't a character flaw.  But if you disagree I charge you with this:

If you force 'em, then PAY FOR 'EM!

* (Is white-lie politically incorrect? I made a slip last week with Chinese Fire Drill and was summarily uh-uh'd. What's the alternative? Someone suggested Asian Fire Drill but we collectively shook our Senior heads; better not use that comparison at all. Sure hope I can keep using the one with the bear.)