Candy Thompson, an octogenarian, says she moved away from Christianity after encountering feminism at university, later experiencing a miscarriage and having three abortions during her first marriage. She now says feminism “failed” her, arguing that it alienated women from men, motherhood, family life and religion, while crediting a return to Christianity with reshaping her understanding of purpose and relationships.

Thompson attended the University of North Carolina in the 1960s and said feminism initially appealed to her because it promoted equality. After her divorce, she came to view her abortions with regret and now acknowledges the pregnancies through certificates recognising their lives. She also says young women want marriage and lasting relationships but lack trust in men and guidance about how to build them.