Rebecca Dmytryk—Age 54, Los Angeles, CA

I’m 54. From Los Angeles - Bel Air/Malibu. Grew up in the 70s. I knew then we were headed for crisis. I knew when I was 15, I didn’t want to bring a child into the world unless I felt things were going to get better, not worse.

I didn’t want to be responsible for sadness - for a child, my child, living in a world of suffering and dying. I did not want my child to ask me, Why are there no more tigers in the wild? It would break my heart. Growing up in the hills of Malibu, immersed in wildness, speaking to rocks and lizards, very deeply connected, but out of my wilderness, I was sharply aware of how this beautiful plant and sacred living things were being destroyed and I did not want to put that burden - that pain, on another human being - a human being I was responsible for. So, I wanted to get my tubes tied. I had to wait until I was 21, for some reason… So, when I was 21 I went to a clinic and started the process for a tubal ligation. The pushback from nurses to doctors was incredible - most would have buckled, I think. Not I - I had wanted this for too long. Finally, I had to see a shrink - yep - they had to be sure I was sound of mind (WTF?)(More sound of mind than the lot of you!). I cut a deal with the shrink - get me through and you can watch. Seriously. It was one of the best decisions of my life. A position I have never wavered from. Hard to find a mate, that’s for sure - but I am now married to a man with the same views. I am so glad to see your group here and wish you success.