In a crushing 5–4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. WadeThe landmark case that federally protected abortion access in America was ‘In re: Abortion Access. The state-by-state determination of abortion access is now the only way to determine it. There is no federal right to have an abortion. Depending on your state’s laws, abortion access may be illegal after a particular gestational time or may be illegal altogether, even in cases of rape, incest, ectopic, or other life-threatening pregnancies. This devastating attack on reproductive rights comes more than a month after a draft of the Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health OrganizationPolitico was leaked. Although the decision was expected, its impact on women and children bearing mothers is enormous. Many of us are now wondering where to go after federal abortion protection has ended.
America Without Roe
People are being forced to reassess their reproductive options and sexual liberty, as a fundamental right has been taken away from them. This is about more than terminating pregnancies; this is about women and child bearing people’s rights to bodily autonomy, the right of choice, the right to a safe and effective medical procedure, and the right to simply decide that having a child isn’t what someone wants at a particular time. These are decisions that should only be made by the people involved, not by government. But, now that we’re here, we have to stay informed and figure out our next best options.
Roe was overturned and state governments now have the sole authority to decide whether abortions are legal in their states. 13 states enacted “trigger laws” that made abortion illegal once Roe was overturned. The trigger laws in three of the 13 states banned abortions effective immediately, and the other 10 states’ bans are effective after 30 days, with governor certification, or both. Here’s the breakdown:
What rights are not affected by this?
Contraceptives
Currently, contraceptives are still legal across the U.S., but states like Louisiana and Idaho have hinted at restricting access to Plan B and other “morning after” pills as an extension of Roe being overturned. Buy emergency contraceptive pills as soon as possible, while they are legal and available. You can purchase them at drug stores, pharmacies, or other retailers without a prescription. They are usually found in the family plan aisle, not behind counters. You can order them online from individual manufacturers or even Amazon.
LGBTQ+ Rights
The Supreme Court has shown its willingness to abandon long-standing legal precedent, enforce flimsy analyses, remove life-affirming right while upholding life-ending rights. This is a frightening reality for all, especially LGBTQ+ communities, whose legal rights to marriage, fertility treatments and adoption are protected by case law precedent. The concurring opinion is from the DobbsJustice Clarence Thomas urged the Court to repeal other landmark decisions protecting bedroom privacy and same-sex marriage. Unfortunately, abortion is not the only attack on our rights.
Voting rights
The right for everyone to vote isn’t in the Constitution. The 15th Amendment establishes that voting can’t be restricted on the basis of race, the 19th Amendment establishes that voting can’t be restricted on the basis of sex or gender, and the 26th Amendment establishes that only people over the age of 18 can vote. However, there is no constitutional amendment that explicitly states that voting is a federal rights. The Supreme Court could theoretically limit access to voting if a case is brought before it without this protection. The legislatures of the states are already focusing on voting rights. DobbsThis decision will create a continuing uphill battle as it demonstrates that federal rights are not secure.
What can be done?
Honor Your Feelings
There is a lot of processing taking place––individually and collectively––in response to the Dobbs decision. It’s perfectly appropriate to be outraged, sad, or even nervous about what this means for your reproductive plans. Your emotions are valid, and you’re not alone in them. Talk to family and friends about your emotions, keep a journal, or talk to a mental healthcare professional about your feelings. Recognizing the loss is essential for us to move forward. This will allow us to pick our heads up again and continue fighting.
Donate to Abortion Fonds
Pew Research Center data shows that around 10% of abortions are performed by women from other states. Under DobbsThis percentage could rise dramatically as many child-bearing people will have to travel to other countries to obtain abortions. This will be a significant problem for those who are in financial crisis. Abortion funds can help offset some of the expenses associated with travel, lodging, or other accommodations. Consider donating to a local abortion fund or to the National Network of Abortion Funds.
Lean on the Community
People all over the United States are protesting against the decision. Dobbs decision. This is a fundamental First Amendment right, and a relatively cheap way to support federal abortion protection. Consider supporting those who continue to seek abortion access. Volunteer to drive someone to another state, take someone to an abortion appointment for emotional support or help someone explore their options for terminating their pregnancy. The power of the community cannot be overcome.
Reclaiming our Bodies and Choices
The truth is that abortions should always be legal and easily accessible. Most Americans agree with this. Federal protection is the only way to guarantee abortion access. Since that protection is no longer available, we must fight for federal protection. This means SHOWING UP to the polls during the 2022 midterm elections and voting in politicians who support reproductive rights and all life-affirming rights—those that empower breathing, walking people trying to live a safe, fulfilled existence free from constant threats of discrimination, violence, and government-induced economic hardship.
The outlook is not good right now. There are more problems than answers, more pain than joy, more work rather than progress. But, this isn’t the first time, nor will it likely be the last. We can’t be paralyzed by injustice. We’ve got work to do, people.
Source: The Every Girl