In this raw episode of <i>The Happily Never After</i>, Esther Kim Varet, a congressional candidate and granddaughter of North Korean refugees, shares her personal abortion stories, revealing the complexities of reproductive choices and the fight for women’s autonomy in America.<br /><br />In this episode, Esther discusses her abortions at ages 21 and 41, highlighting the social and political forces that challenge progress. She talks about the impact of religious ideologies on government policy, and the not-so-secret reasons behine these ideologies. Esther debunks abortion myths and explains how restrictive laws endanger lives.<br /><br />We explore the effects of laws limiting reproductive rights, from child-rearing costs to societal patriarchy. Esther connects historical lessons to today's political landscape, emphasizing the need for vigilance. She advocates for separating religious beliefs from policy, asserting that bodily autonomy is foundational to American ideals.<br /><br />This conversation is about democracy, personal freedom, and gender equality. Esther’s insights remind us that our choices define the future.<br /><br />ABOUT ESTHER KIM VARET<br />Esther Kim Varett is an entrepreneur who is running as a Democrat to represent California’s 40th congressional district. She is the founder and owner of the highly reviewed art gallery Various Little Fires. Esther holds degrees from both Yale and Columbia, and she is the granddaughter of immigrants who escaped North Korea on foot. <br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Connect with Esther's campaign at <a href="https://www.estherkimvaret.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estherkimvaret.com</a></li><li>Follow Esther on Instagram or TikTok at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/estherforcongress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@estherforcongress</a></li></ul><br />ABOUT <i>THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER</i><br /><i>The Happily Never After</i> is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.<br /><ul><li>New episodes every Tuesday.</li><li>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatheathermcg/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> on IG for related content and discussion.</li><li>Read The Happily Never After on Substack at <a href="https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li><li>Learn more about Heather McG at <a href="https://www.heathermcg.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com</a></li></ul>