The Overturning of Roe vs. Wade & Helpful Resources
Reproductive rights are human rights.
by CHLOE HECHTER ★ JUNE 24, 2022
On June 23, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, leaving many Americans feeling lost, devastated, and hopeless. Roe v. Wade was a monumental step in furthering access to reproductive healthcare, and without it, those with childbearing capabilities are left to wonder how they will face the challenges that come with unwanted pregnancies, fiscal insecurities, and lack of resources such as preventative care and free clinics. No matter what you’re feeling–fear, outrage, or hopelessness–your feelings are valid. Here is everything you need to know & helpful resources for when you’re unsure where to turn.
What exactly does overturning Roe v. Wade mean?
The overturning of Roe v. Wade takes away the federal constitutional right to have an abortion. Whether or not abortion is legal is now up to the lawmakers in individual states, and an alarming near-half of the states have already made or planned to make laws banning abortion. While more traditionally liberal states will still allow those capable of becoming pregnant the right to choose, those without the means to travel to those trusted healthcare facilities are at an even larger loss of fundamental rights and control over their bodies. The driving forces in overturning this law were Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch. Coney Barrett, Kavanaugh, and Gorsuch were all appointed during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Be inclusive in your activism and your rhetoric.
As we continue to educate ourselves on what the overturning of Roe v. Wade means and how we can provide help and resources for those struggling, be sure to use inclusive language in your conversations, lessons, and posts. We often define Roe v. Wade as “a woman’s right to choose,” however, the overturning of this law also impacts nonbinary and trans people, so be sure not to limit your activism to cishet identifying women. Not everybody with female internal reproductive organs identifies as a “woman,” so turn to language such as “those capable of becoming pregnant,” “a person’s right to choose,” or “people’s reproductive health.” If switching up your language becomes confusing, try reading up on the topic using the following resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/08/us/women-gender-aclu-abortion.html
https://www.mabelwadsworth.org/2020/07/23/using-inclusive-language-in-abortion-care-is-essential/
https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive
What can you do for others?
Open the discussion. Don’t be afraid to have a voice, and continue to educate yourself and others on helpful resources for reproductive health, mental health, and physical health. Always be sure to check in on your friends, and pass along any information that they may find useful. Continue to spread information via social media outlets, and search for protests in or near your area. Major protests continue to grow in major cities like NYC, D.C., and L.A., but protests happen everywhere, so rally your troops and continue to fight the good fight!
What can you do for yourself?
The running “better get on birth control” joke suddenly doesn’t seem so funny. If you plan to have sex, make sure to educate yourself on the method of contraception that’s right for you; whether that be an intrauterine device (IUD), the pill, a patch, or an implant. Do your research and discuss your options with a professional or your friends who have gone through similar experiences. Always be open with your partner, and only do what you’re comfortable with–if you aren’t comfortable having an open discussion with your partner, maybe rethink how intimate you’d like to be with them.
It can be difficult to manage your mental health in uncertain times, so be sure to prioritize your well-being. Take the time you need to collect your thoughts, journal, meditate; do what you need to do. Traditional therapy is not totally accessible to everybody at all times, but there are ways to cope with anxiety apart from that. Prioritize your well-being, try to surround yourself with a strong support system, and learn coping mechanisms that work for you.
Here are some helpful resources for college students:
Barnes Center at the Arch: (315)443-8000
Planned Parenthood: (866)600-6886
Vera House: (315)468-7263
The National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800)656-4673
While the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has made for a depressing start to summer, try to remain consistent in your cultural knowledge, keeping up with your mental health, and sharing resources with those who need them.