The Overturning of Roe v. Wade and its Meaning for the United States
By: Elsa Plank
Recently it feels like the world has taken a few steps back. As the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, many have been stripped of their right to make their own decisions. But, the Supreme Court’s vote of 5-8 is a stark contrast to the beliefs of the U.S’s population, in which 61% are pro choice. Nonetheless, the court’s decision has already affected the lives of many, including in Ohio where the court forced a young girl, at the age of 10, to bear a child she was not ready for.
Importance
The Supreme Court’s decision burdens everyone’s life - no matter if you are directly or indirectly affected by what was decided. At this time, 8 states have already decided that abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, including rape and incest. This is disgusting. A person can get sent to jail for aborting a dead fetus that would kill them before it was born. And a rapist can get a shorter jail sentence than the victim who gets an abortion.
Action
Voting is one of the most important things that anyone (that meets the requirements) can do. Recently in Kansas, voters overturned the Supreme Court’s ruling Register to vote, allowing people to have the decision for themselves. The midterms are coming up in November and in voting for the pro-choice candidates, citizens can potentially help in gaining more reproductive rights in the future.
There are also many trustworthy organizations that fight for reproductive rights that you can donate to. Some are listed here: Planned Parenthood, MSI Reproductive Choices, Resolve, Center for Reproductive Rights, Ipas, March of Dimes, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation, and NARAL Pro-Choice America.
Sources:
https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-for-reproductive-rights/