It’s the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade – and it might be the last. Let’s envision a better world.
January 22nd marks 49 years since the Supreme Court decided the landmark case Roe v. Wade, which recognized a fundamental, constitutional right to abortion. It’s devastating, but we are in a moment where Roe may not reach its 50th milestone.
We know the need for abortion access hasn’t changed – for as long as people are becoming pregnant there will aways be a need for abortions. What has changed is our conservative Supreme Court that is stacked against us and has positioned itself to overturn Roe v. Wade, likely this June.
While this moment is a hard one, we also know that Roe, and the line of cases affirming it, has never been enough. And this is especially true for Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, people struggling to make ends meet, and people who are geographically isolated who face significant barriers to care.
So today, on the 49th anniversary of Roe, we at PRH and our network of kick-ass providers are envisioning a better world. One where abortion is not only recognized as a human right but free from stigma and is affordable, accessible, supported with love, and readily available in our communities. We will work for a world where people are able to get the care they need when they need it, with the providers they choose, and in ways that people trust.
Here’s what a few of our Leadership Training Academy Alumni had to say:
- Dr. Ghazaleh Moayedi, Dallas, TX: I envision a world with generations of joyous people, liberated to achieve any possibility.
- Dr. J, Chicago: I see a future where nobody has to feel shame for making whatever choices are best for them and their family.
- Dr. Rebecca Simon: As an abortion provider I envision the passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act, to safeguard the right to provide and receive abortion care. … WHPA will protect pregnant patients and their providers from harmful laws … while also creating the potential for equitable access across the country, no matter where you live.
We believe we can liberate abortion and we’re working towards that vision and that world. But we need you with us. Here is what you can do:
- Share your abortion story, support your local clinics, and ensure everyone in your community is able to afford their abortions.
- Donate to local abortion funds using the National Network of Abortion Funds directory.
- Donate to the Abortion Within Reach campaign where your gift will be split to support clinics and local abortion funds!
- Donate to Keep our Clinics to support independent providers
- Urge your Member of Congress to support and pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, the EACH Act to end the Hyde Amendment, and the HEAL Act to ensure folks can access the care they need regardless of their immigration status.
- Demand #AbortionWithinReach. Abortion funds have come together to deliver a bold statement and vision, explicitly identifying what it means for abortion to be truly accessible for our callers. As we shine a light on these demands, we also want to spotlight independent clinics, who are our partners on the front lines giving support and care to abortion seekers. Join us in demanding #AbortionWithinReach by sharing on your platforms, asking folks to sign on their support and to donate to abortion funds and clinics.
- Join the Liberate Abortion coalition of over 125 reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations across the country who are uplifting the need ensure abortion is available, affordable, and accessible for anyone who needs it.
Until next time,
MiQuel Davies, Assistant Director of Public Policy