photographer Gayatri Malhotra superior no splash
Friday morning came news that most of us knew, but weren’t ready to hear. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade’s ruling overturning the right to abortion, a constitutional right that has been upheld for 50 yearsJustices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan said in their dissenting opinion that the court’s ruling means “young women today will have more less rights”, the court’s opinion meant “from fertilization, a woman has no right to speak. Even at the greatest personal and family cost, a state can force her to complete a pregnancy.” They went on to write, “It is with grief that— — For this court, but more so, for the millions of American women who have lost fundamental constitutional protections today — we disagree.”
Dobbs’ decision isn’t just about abortion, it’s about power, as Ezra Klein and Dahlia Lithwick explore in their podcast.The anti-abortion movement is rooted in racism. Roe’s overthrow would disproportionately affect black women and women of color. The United States already has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed country. Pregnancy is dangerous, especially for Blacks, Indigenous and Latinos. Black Americans have 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth than their white peers. Nationwide ban will lead to 33% increase in deaths among people of color According to a study.
I talked to my friend Elsa Emmel, Certified Nurse Midwife, on the impact of the SCOTUS decision and her biggest concerns for patients when providing care. “There are new barriers to providing care for women during the most challenging times. This continues to marginalize communities that are already full of disparities. As a professional, I am no longer an advocate for women’s health, but viewed by many For criminals. The sanctity of gynecological examinations has been violated.”
The collapse of Roe would have far-reaching negative economic and health consequences. It will increase human suffering, especially for the most vulnerable among us.This American Academy of Pediatrics The decision will have serious consequences for teenage patients, a statement said. In layman’s terms, the child will be required to suffer through forced delivery. have concrete evidence Women who seek an abortion but are denied it are more likely to live in poverty.will have serious economic consequences If abortion is not available, many will be forced out of the labor force. LGBTQ+ communities will face increasing barriers to critical reproductive health care Increased risk of sexual and physical violence. Homicide is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S.. More women forced to become pregnant means more women will be murdered.
For decades, the anti-abortion movement has fought to oust RoeNow they have succeeded, and if Republicans take control of Congress and the White House, they will move to pass a nationwide ban. Women will face prosecution and punishment The criminal justice system for miscarriage or seeking abortion services. All this is not exaggeration, but reality. Many of us need to put in the time and work to protect ourselves and each other. Change won’t happen overnight, but we can’t count on it. This is for the future of us and our children. Here’s what we can all do right now.
Editor’s Note: I am not a journalist, lawyer, medical expert or expert. I am someone who cares deeply about this issue and provides resources to support action to protect our reproductive freedom and help those with disabilities. There are a lot of people doing very important work in this field and they have a lot of knowledge and expertise. Remember, this list is far from exhaustivee. I will continue to update this as things develop and change. This article should be a starting point, not an end point When seeking information and resources on this topic.
Actions Taken in Post-Roe Deer America
Get involved locally
Get involved locally. This New York Times op-ed Emphasize its importance and influence. I often get messages like “I live in a blue state, abortion is legal, what else can I do?” Or “I live where there are strong abortion protections” or “I’m a progressive living in a red state and feel hopeless.” Reproductive rights are under attack. No matter where you live, there are local organizations that can use your help.
I live in Vermont. In 2019, state lawmakers approved H.57, which guarantees abortion rights in the state. In November, Vermont will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment that, if passed, would enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. I live in a blue state with protected abortion rights and I can still do a lot in my own community. People seeking abortions face financial and logistical hurdles even when they are legal. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England recently announced it would close four clinics in the state. Vermont could also be a safe haven for those seeking abortion. There are a number of organizations in the state dedicated to helping people seeking care. My point is that no matter where you live, there are jobs to be done locally.
Here are some ways to get involved locally:
Disseminate information and share resources
We all have influence. You don’t need to have a huge following on social media to be influential. Our social circles, friends, family and community are all spaces where we have an influence. It is important to obtain information about the resources available to those seeking reproductive health care and abortion. Here are some to take with you and spread the word:
- Mail-in abortion pills remain a reality in all 50 states.access Plancpills.com
- INeedana.com Can tell you the nearest abortion clinic, waiting periods and other restrictions
- Repro Legal Defense Fund Legal advice and assistance are available for those facing criminal penalties and prosecution as a result of pregnancy outcomes.
- Repro Legal Helpline is a free, confidential legal helpline where you can get legal information or advice about self-managed abortion, young people accessing abortion or judicial detours, and referrals to local resources.
- ACLU Provides Helpful Talking Points How to Discuss Abortion Rights with Friends and FamilyYes. Encourage the men in your life to talk about abortion rights too.
vote in every election
- Local elections matter. Vote 411.org Can help you see what’s on your ballot, check your voter registration, find your local polling place, and more. Many states hold primaries in the months leading up to midterm elections.
- When it comes to the midterms, make sure you know which candidates are in favor. Discuss voting with your friends and family, make sure they are registered, and discuss with them who supports the choice. Emily’s list supports pro-choice Democrats running for election.
- NARAL Pro Choice America has a list of pro-choice candidates The Senate, House of Representatives, Governors, Attorneys and Secretaries of State across the United States. Elections at the state level for the leader of choice have never been more important.
Please don’t do the Handmaid’s Tale comparison
I feel guilty about it, but I’ve made a concerted effort to stop it.especially after seeing Many black women talk about how harmful it is to black women. The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian story centered on a white woman. The fictional story in The Handmaid’s Tale *actually* happened historically to black women in this country. black women were forced to give birth, Many of them were sold into slavery. The anti-abortion movement is rooted in racism. America has a history Eugenics and forced sterilization Against black women, people of color, people with disabilities, indigenous women and the poor. We can fight for our reproductive freedom and expose the historical injustice and abuse of black women.
Pro-abortion in countries that trigger bans
This post from Meteor Include information on abortion funding for each state expected to ban abortion following SCOTUS decision. Local Abortion Funds are agencies that work locally to help provide travel, funding, logistics and support for people seeking abortion assistance.
protect yourself
Consider stratified contraception. Birth control methods can fail, adding multiple methods can help prevent unwanted pregnancies. If you normally use condoms, consider using a withdrawal method.You can get birth control pills online HeyFavor.com. It’s free, and most plans start as low as $6.99 per month.
Emergency contraceptives can Prevents over 95% of pregnancies Take within three to five days of unprotected sex. As a precaution, keep it handy.
If you are planning to become pregnant, find a provider you trust early. Have these conversations and plan for possible outcomes.
We don’t get back what was lost overnight. Anti-abortion activists have been working on it for nearly half a century. We must all be committed to getting the job done. This may look different to each of us, but we’re going to have to dig deep to fight for our rights, and who this decision will affect the most. Now is not the time to be complacent or quiet. Abortion is healthcare.
