The overturn of Roe v. Wade and how it will impact women and the LGBTQ+ community going forward
On January 22, 1973, a Texas statute abortion ban was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Before Roe v. Wade abortion was illegal throughout a large chunk of the country, but this made abortion legal across the United States.
Over the years certain states have put restrictions in place and complicated access to abortion. When it comes to this procedure, the rights that have been given to those with the ability to get pregnant have been under constant attack.
Roe v. Wade was recently overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade On June 24, 2022. With this decision, they made it pretty clear that many of them don’t believe in a federal constitutional right to abortion. After almost 50 years, they have decided to ignore a huge chunk of progress that has been made for women’s rights.
No matter where you stand politically, there is no denying the harm that will follow the decision to overturn Roe V. Wade. This will not get rid of abortions, it will simply send many people carrying children down a dangerous road.
In some states, abortion will still be legal, at least for now. These are states that put policies in place before Dobbs v. Jackson. With certain states allowing abortion and others finding it illegal, those who are pregnant and need an abortion may have to travel across the United States to obtain one. Women of color are going to be disproportionately affected by this change.
Women are losing their right to autonomy if they ever even had it. Whether or not a person who is pregnant wants to bring a child into this world should be entirely up to them. It will affect them mentally, physically, and financially. This difficult decision should never be made lightly or be influenced by politicians and laws.
The overturn of Roe v. Wade will harm the LGBTQ+ community too
That’s right! Overturning Roe v. Wade puts LGBTQ+ rights at risk. Of course, these rights were at risk already considering the amount of hate and misunderstanding this community receives, but this has now become even more true. Keep in mind that not just women get pregnant. Anyone with a reproductive system that allows them to carry a child may have just lost their right to make their own decisions safely.
Reproductive health care is something the LGBTQ+ community relies on too. Transgender and non-binary individuals face unique barriers when seeking abortions. This leads a large number of these people to find ways to obtain abortions without visiting a clinic or receiving professional care, which is extremely risky.
Roe v. Wade and its negative effect on the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t stop at abortions. Gender-affirming care and gay marriage are believed to be at risk too. The way the court was so open and quick to overturn one precedent makes the LGBTQ+ community fearful of what’s to come. What is stopping this same process from happening to things like same-sex marriage?
How can you take action against the overturn of Roe v. Wade?
There are many ways to take action right now. Consider donating to an abortion fund and giving to Planned Parenthood. Tweet the U.S. government, sign petitions, and start conversations with friends and family. It is also vital to vote.
Sixteen states are holding primaries in August, and everyone should choose love as they head into those voting polls. Think about what and who you are voting for and the impact your vote will have going forward. It’s a common belief that a single vote doesn’t make a difference, but getting yourself to the polls and voting for positive change carries a large influence.
Stand your ground, and raise your voice. Consider wearing your opinion on your sleeves. This can be done with an item like Pride Clothes’ my body, my choice shirt. With a shirt like this everyone will know where you stand. A part of believing in equality and women's rights is making those opinions loud and clear. You should be proud of your beliefs and the desire you have to fight for human rights.
