Speaking Out Even When it's Uncomfortable

A husband's and father's thoughts on reproductive rights

My post today is different from what I usually write and, to be honest, it’s uncomfortable for me to discuss these personal stories but we are living in uncomfortable times.

In my memoir Here, Right Matters, I briefly mentioned my wife Rachel’s and my struggle with pregnancy loss and infertility. That was purposeful because it seemed like it was her story to tell even though it obviously affected me as well. With all that has happened since the SCOTUS decision on Dobbs and the current horror that is happening to a Texas woman and her husband, I feel compelled to tell our story from my point of view. I hope more men will speak out as well.

In May 2006 I was conducting my first field training exercise as a company commander. Rachel flew home to Oklahoma to tell her family she was pregnant. On Mother’s Day she miscarried. At one point her pain became unbearable and her parents took her to the emergency room where she was admitted for observation. Once her pain was managed she was released …