TAKOTSUBO HYSTERIA (6.24.22) | Xanthia Tucker

The Supreme Court's decision on June 24th, 2022 (Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health) removed the constitutional right to abortion. Stunned but also not surprised, I have vacillated between anger, grief and exhaustion. There is a phenomenon in cardiology whereby hearts can become weak and balloon out after a significant emotional shock, such as the death of a spouse; this is called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy because the left ventricle takes on the shape of a traditional Japanese octopus trap. I began to see how another muscular, powerful organ, the uterus, has a similar shape and might feel trapped and exhausted right now. But this is a temporary condition. I chose bright colors to convey optimism and power.

Xanthia Tucker is a resident physician in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics planning to practice primary care with a focus on reproductive justice. Prior to pursuing medicine, she was a comparative literature major, freelance writer and baker. She loves to write and draw.

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