This past weekend, a graduating high school senior stood up for his beliefs and for pregnant women around the world in his valedictorian speech. Paxton Smith (104.93 grade point average), Lake Highlands High School's 2021 valedictorian, told "D" magazine (opens in new tab) that her valedictorian speech on media consumption was approved by her school. But on graduation day, she surprised students, teachers, and parents when she took to the podium to condemn the attack on reproductive rights in Texas.

"I'm terrified that if my birth control fails, if I'm raped, my hopes, dreams, aspirations, and efforts for the future won't matter," Smith said. 'You should feel how gut-wrenching that would be. I want them to feel how dehumanizing it is to be deprived of autonomy over my body."

Smith is referring to the many restrictive laws her state has passed to limit a pregnant person's ability to have an abortion. Texas has historically been a hostile state to abortion, and some in government have stepped up their efforts. Just last week, the state passed a "trigger ban" (opens in new tab) that would make abortion illegal in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. In addition, starting in September, the "Heartbeat Bill," which would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, will go into effect.

At the end of his speech, many in the audience applauded Smith for his courage. Smith, however, does not need applause. She is taking a stand against oppressive and unconstitutional restrictions that threaten a person's right to choose.

"I cannot give up this platform to promote complacency and peace when there is a war against my body, a war against my rights," she says. 'I cannot remain silent.'

Read Smith's powerful speech in full here: