Three years ago, I sat up most of the night in front of my computer, watching the debate on HB2, one of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws, live-streamed from the floor of the Texas Legislature. That was the night of Wendy Davis's courageous filibuster, and although I had been unable to drive to Austin to be part of the Unruly Mob in person, I was glued to the proceedings. In between watching debate, tweeting out and Facebooking links, and talking to my fellow activists who were terrified that this bill would pass and essentially end access to abortion and other forms of reproductive healthcare in Texas, I was silently thanking my high school debate coach for teaching me parliamentary procedure and how to "flow" debates. In the end, the Republican senators broke the chamber rules and voted the bill in just past midnight. Another special session would be called, and the bill would become law. It effectively closed the majority of abortion providers in Texas -- many of which also provided other vital healthcare.

Today, the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) struck down that law, citing two provisions -- that all abortion providers meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers, and that all abortion providers have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles -- as placing an undue burden on those seeking abortion care. 

I fundamentally believe that no person is free if they do not have full bodily autonomy. Fighting for the right to access abortion and other reproductive healthcare is a cornerstone of the Feminist Craft around which my life is built. In today's decision, I see the hand of the Goddess of Justice. It is a step toward greater bodily autonomy for all people who can get pregnant. A step towards having the true right to make decisions about your body, your family, your health, without undue interference from the state. This is an act of Goddess in a very real sense.

There are still impediments to abortion in Texas, including a 48 hour waiting period and a mandatory transvaginal ultrasound. There is still mandatory abortion counseling which requires providers to share outright false information with patients. The financial burden of abortion falls on women who can least afford it but who most need the procedure. There are more fights to fight. And I don't delude myself that the Republican legislature here will cease trying to craft laws that make abortion illegal or totally inaccessible.

But today is a win, and as a priestess for justice and as a witch who worked and fought and cried alongside the Unruly Mob, I will celebrate.