Moth StorySLAM Winner: Mary Shaughnessy "What I Crave"

Mary Shaughnessy won The Moth StorySLAM at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA on May 4, 2022. The theme of the night was Cravings. She told a story of her abortion at 17, and what she craves for the world. As Brene Brown says, there is no courage without vulnerability.

[@cynthia4326]

Indeed. Yes, I have symbiotic experiences. THANK YOU 💗

[@susanjudson4027]

Such a courageous and powerful move Mary. You are a true bad ass - filled with light and love and deep strength! We need more people like you in this world! ❤️

[@KevinRBEALS]

So powerful. So vulnerable. So brave. So well told. Amazing, Mary.

[@YourMovementProject]

Mary, thank you for telling your story. So powerful!

[@nancywerner3913]

Mary, thank you for speaking your truth. Love you xo

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

I can't put together a story in a way that I could tell it at The Moth, but in 1973, I had a year-old child, I was on welfare, and needed an abortion. Luckily, Roe v. Wade had just becom law, and I could obtain the care I needed. 4 years later, I had a non-concentual experience that put me in the same position. My doctor (who I later learned was a gay man and had no interest in having children) tried to tell me I shouldn't because "what if the child I had died? Wouldn't I want to replace him?" Again, I could get the care I needed without having to deal with that medical "advice." My son is 52 and I am so grateful that I didn't ever have to go through that again. One is plenty for me, thank you.

[@jennyrebeccajsj]

Thank you Mary! As always, I love your storytelling, it is powerful and moving and so important in these times.

[@susanjudson4027]

Mary, you rock! Such an inspiration and your craving is essential to the evolution of women. Thank you so much for sharing your story ❤️