As a 9.5-year ovarian cancer survivor, I paint to express my feelings and thoughts. Recently, recommendations for federal changes to women’s healthcare have been made, without any input from women. Using acrylic and water media, I painted “Hands Off” to express my anger at the willful attempt to defund Planned Parenthood at a federal level. For many American women, this will mean no screening for cancer, and therefore no early detection of cancer, which can save lives.
“Hands Off” emerged as my way of saying, “Let women make their own decisions about their bodies and healthcare.” I am aware that this painting makes many people uncomfortable, but it reflects my discomfort with the direction women’s healthcare is taking in our country.
