To every man who believes in equality, this is a call to you: What will you do the next time you hear another man say something like “Your body, my choice”? How will you respond when you see this attitude surface, casually or seriously, in your conversations and circles? Will you challenge it? Will you have the courage to say something?
Because here’s the truth: silence speaks louder than you think. And staying silent — brushing off that comment, laughing along, letting it slide — is a choice too. It sends a message that you’re okay with a culture where women’s rights and autonomy can be belittled, joked about, or treated as unimportant. But we can’t afford to live in that world anymore, and we shouldn’t want to.
When someone says “Your body, my choice” to trivialize a woman’s right to control her own body, they aren’t just making a “joke” — they’re making a statement. A statement that says women’s bodies and choices are somehow fair game for anyone else’s opinion. A statement that undermines decades of hard-fought battles for equality, and implies that women’s rights can be reduced to a punchline.
Every man who cares about the women in his life has a role to play in shutting this down. Think about it: How would you feel if these comments were directed at your sister, your daughter, your mother, or your partner? How would you feel if they were dismissed, if their choices were laughed at, if they were made to feel like they had no right to their own decisions? If these remarks would hurt you when aimed at the people you love, they should hurt you enough to speak up when aimed at anyone.
Women are constantly reminded that their rights are conditional, that their choices are contested territory. They know all too well what it feels like to defend their autonomy, to be told by others what is best for their bodies and futures. And “Your body, my choice” isn’t just a casual quip — it’s another instance of control, a jab in a long line of attempts to undermine their agency.
If you believe in fairness, equality, and respect, then this should concern you. But more importantly, it should compel you to act.
So, how can you respond?
1. Say something. Every time.
When you hear that comment — “Your body, my choice” — don’t just let it slide. Ask the person why they think it’s funny or acceptable. Challenge them to think about the harm in what they’re saying. Make it clear that this isn’t just a joke, but a reflection of a mindset that needs to change.
It doesn’t have to be confrontational. A simple, “I don’t think that’s funny” or “That’s not how I see things” can go a long way. Show others that it’s okay — necessary, even — to stand up for respect.
2. Be a voice for empathy and understanding.
Many men may not have considered the full impact of this language or how it feels from a woman’s perspective. Help them see it. Talk about why phrases like this are problematic, how they diminish women’s voices and perpetuate an imbalance that’s damaging to us all. Remind them that respect is about seeing each person as an equal, and that making fun of someone’s rights is the opposite of that.
3. Set a standard in your friendships.
Surround yourself with people who share a commitment to respect and equality. If a friend insists on using language like “Your body, my choice,” make it clear that it’s not acceptable in your presence. If they refuse to change, you have a choice to make. Ask yourself whether you want people in your life who treat women’s rights as a joke.
The people around you are a reflection of your values. By choosing to stand up, you’re not just sending a message to them; you’re setting a standard for yourself and your community.
4. Be proactive in supporting women’s rights.
Standing against harmful language is just one part of the equation. Actively support the fight for women’s rights and reproductive freedom. Advocate for policies that protect a woman’s autonomy and ensure her access to healthcare, education, and the resources she needs to make decisions about her life. Show up, vote, speak out — and don’t wait for someone else to do it.
5. Be the kind of man who shows what real strength looks like.
Respect and empathy aren’t weaknesses; they’re signs of true strength. It takes courage to stand up against a culture that often turns a blind eye to disrespect and sexism. By speaking up, you’re setting an example of what real strength is — valuing others, supporting equality, and standing for a world where every person’s rights are respected.
Imagine a world where men consistently stand up, where phrases like “Your body, my choice” aren’t tolerated, where women can move through their lives without hearing their rights debated or undermined. Imagine the respect, the equality, the sense of security that would bring to our communities. This isn’t just a nice idea — it’s a future we can create together, one conversation at a time.
When you hear that phrase again, remember that women are listening. They hear what you say, but they also hear what you don’t say. Let your silence never be mistaken for agreement. Let your actions always speak of your commitment to equality.
This is your chance to be part of something bigger — to be an ally, an advocate, and a champion of respect. Stand up, speak out, and show the world that real strength lies in lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. Let’s create a culture where every person is respected, where autonomy is a given, and where no one has to fight for control over their own life.
Make this the world you help build. Stand with women, side by side, for a future where no one ever says “Your body, my choice” again.
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