Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that established a constitutional right for women to have an abortion. Roe v. Wade, overturned and wiped out. Many of you have already heard of the overturning of Roe v Wade made by the Supreme Court justices- a 5-4 decision. A majority of the Supreme Court ruled that each state should decide whether abortion should be legal or illegal. Despite the fact that Illinois allows abortions, it does not solely effect us.
What is happening to the world? We have gone through so much as a society. Now, they’re banning women’s rights to have an abortion? I completely support women’s right to choose. When I look at the issue, I notice that the individuals making these decisions are typically men. And to be completely frank, if you’re unable to give birth, you should not be making these decisions. It is unfair. It’s cruel.
There are always two different sides going against each other, two different perspectives, two different stories and two different lives. Right now, it’s pro-life vs. pro choice, women vs. men, and even women vs.women.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas stated now that the constitutional right to abortion has been revoked, significant high court judgments establishing Gay rights and contraception rights should be reconsidered. He cited Griswold v. Connecticut, a 1965 Supreme Court decision in which the Court stated that married couples have the right to obtain contraception; Lawrence v. Texas, a 2003 ruling that established the right to engage in private sexual acts; and Obergefell v. Hodges, a 2015 ruling that established the right to same-sex marriage.
Thomas wrote that those rulings “were demonstrably erroneous decisions.” This is so heartbreaking. It’s upsetting. It is bitter. I’m enraged. But what are our options? How can we speak up? Two of my role models stepped up and did not hold back.
Michelle Obama was one of the first people to speak out about this. One of the most important things she said was “This horrifying decision will have devastating consequences and it must be a wake-up call, especially to the young people who will bear its burden.” Our country has made errors. It is not without faults. But one thing is certain: we are destined to repeat history’s mistakes if we do not comprehend them.
Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization that provides reproductive health care in the United States and globally has risen up to the plate, and has spoken out about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “The Supreme Court has now officially given politicians permission to control what we do with our bodies, deciding that we can no longer be trusted to determine the course for our own lives. But make no mistake–we are a movement that will demand we are treated like equal citizens.” As a 14 year old girl, hearing her words is powerful and uplifting to not just me, but a bunch of women in the world. I do not want to see the vulnerable women out there who are not ready to become mothers, suffering because of this new ruling. It’s taking away her freedom.
People who feel that abortion should not be outlawed should attend protests; with a huge group of others and loud voices, each of us can join together and make a difference- people can see that we care about this and can make a difference in the lives of women. We can contribute to abortion funding and volunteer for various groups. I can tell you one thing for certain. For change to occur, we must all work together.
Our hopes may not come true, but we must stand up and find the strength and courage to continue fighting toward the America we all want and deserve.
Isabella Medina
Jones College Prep – DMSF Class of 2026
Photo by Sarah Penney on Unsplash