You have probably heard, “Your body, my choice” or “My body, my choice.” These are sayings people in America have been stating. America is known as the land of the free, but many women impacted by this overturning aren’t feeling as free anymore. As you may know, Roe V. Wade has ruled since January 22nd, 1973. The votes were (7-2). Roe v. Wade has protected all women to legally have a safe abortion. It was up to June 24th, 2022, when the Supreme court overturned this ruling (5-4). Since they overturned this right, many women who live in the red states, have no access to a safe abortion. The red states consist of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Wisconsin. This affects women because if they live in a red state, they need to travel to a blue state so they can safely get an abortion. This costs money, which makes it hard for women to get transportation to and from the blue state.
This event has received many different reactions, some being pro-life or pro-choice. Pro-Life is opposing to abortion and euthanasia. Pro-Choice is advocating legalized abortions. I, myself, think abortions should be legal.
The event of this rule being overturned makes me so frustrated. LIke, how can someone be making the choices that you will make to your body. Especially the judges on the Supreme court. The judges who overturned this rule were, Justice Samuel Alito, and Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.These men and the woman who are responsible about this do not know how this can affect many women financially. Low-income single parents spend up to almost 150,000 dollars. Women may not have this amount of money to raise a child. No one should be controlling you and your body. This leaves many women without a choice and raise a child without the proper skills or needs. 800+ women die from childbirth in the U.S, and abortion could help a woman live longer. Theres a overpopulation in the world right now, and banning abortions is not what we need. This is a decision that does not make us safe, but it makes us feel unsafe.
What can you do about this situation?
- Protesting
Protesting is a great way to get your voice and opinion heard. This is a very effective way for people to know about the issue and that you are unhappy about it. Even though protests are great, some can cause some issues during or after. Before you plan to show up at a protest, you should always make sure it is a safe environment to be a part of. During it, make sure to dress like your fellow members. This makes sure you are unidentifiable and people won’t be able to track you.
- Writing or talking with a senator or representative
Writing or speaking with a senator could get your opinion heard once again. This can apply to any situation you have an opinion about. Letting someone know about your opinion can help open the minds of others and think of your opinion if its right or wrong.
Roe v. Wade should not have been overturned. Women deserve all rights to their privacy. No one’s rights should be taken away.
Jessica Parra – Saint Ignatius College Prep – DMSF Class of 2026
Image: Colin Lloyd on Unsplash