Body autonomy is a basic concept, but not one that is spoken about all that often. It means that a person has the right to what they want with their body and when.

And while we live in a world where people are constantly telling women what they can or can’t do with their own bodies (I’m looking at you, men), it’s nice to have a reminder once in a while about what body autonomy means to females.

A woman on Twitter recently had a thread go viral and she discussed the importance of women having autonomy over their own bodies. This is how the thread started.

Photo Credit: Twitter

She continued talking about how her mother had a difficult pregnancy.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Her mother asked her doctor about the possibility of sterilization.

Photo Credit: Twitter

As was typical of the times, she was chastised by her male, Catholic doctor.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Her mother was shamed and made to feel guilty about simply exploring the medical options about her own body. But later on, a new doctor made her feel more comfortable about her situation.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Photo Credit: Twitter

She remembers her mother’s experiences and how they compare to today’s politically charged environment.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Once her mother had the courage to speak up, her own family members supported her.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Photo Credit: Twitter

And she ended on this note.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Amen.