My thoughts on Roe v. Wade (pro choice)

BACKGROUND

Who are the players?

In 1969, Norma McCorvey (aka Roe) initiated federal action against Dallas county district attorney, Henry Wade, who enforced state laws prohibiting abortion except to save a pregnant person’s life.

Roe v. Wade 1973 outcome?

In the case of Roe v. Wade (1973), the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that state laws restricting abortions are unconstitiutional since they interfere with one’s right to privacy.

Roe v. Wade also yielded the “trimester system” in which

During the first trimester of pregnancy American women have the right to an abortion.
During the second trimester of pregnancy some government regulation is allowed .
During the third trimester of pregnancy states may restrict or ban abortions.

* Note: In the final trimester one can obtain an abortion despite any state bans if one’s life or health is at risk.

What is currently happening in regards to Roe v. Wade?

Monday night, a Supreme Court draft opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito in the case of Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was leaked. Tuesday, Chief Justice John G. Roberts confirmed the draft’s authenticity. Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization challanges Missisippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks. The draft opinion suggests that five out of the nine justices (Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett) are in favor of overturning the ruling made in Roe v. Wade.

The court’s decision is expected by the end of June 2022.

What happens if Roe v. Wade is overruled?

If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Mississippi, the right to an abortion will no longer be a constitutional right. This means that individual states would be able to decide wether or not to ban abortions. In the 13 states with a trigger law (Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming), an overruling would lead to an immediate ban on abortions.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm in favor of abortions. I strongly believe that everyone should have the choice to have a child. Having a child is a huge fucking responsibility. In my opinion, it is better for a child to be born with a parent who will actually be able to care for them and want them. There are already so many children put into children's homes and even fewer lucky enough to be apart of the foster care system- a system that is not at its best. Still, even less are actually adopted. Why force a child out if they are just going to be thrown out, unwanted by their parents and be forgotten? Personally, I do not want to have children. I do not want to bring a child into the chaos and evils of this world (not to mention that our planet will soon become unlivable). However, if at some point I do, I would definitely adopt. Some people get pregnant without their consent or knowledge. I think it is very important that everyone has right to choose wether or not they would like to actually have and care for a child. No one should be forced to take on that responsibility. No one should be forced to have a child that they are going to be forced to give away. If they are unfit to take care of the child themselves, why put someone through the mental and physical traumas of having a child that they would have to unwillingly give up?

It is overwhelmingly likely that abortions will soon be made illegal. This terrifies me. The Supreme Court's draft opinion is not only threatening a direct attack on our fundamental right of choice but also our safety. OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE WILL NOT BAN ABORTIONS, IT WILL ONLY BAN SAFE ABORTIONS. Before abortions were legalized, 1 in 6 pregnancy-related deaths were due to illegal abortions. Additionally, this decision will be disproportionately affecting POC and low socioeconomic groups. Even though some states will still have protections, individuals seeking out-of-state abortions will be risking persecution. Now is the time to act- attend local rallies, donate, and educate yourself.

TAKE ACTION

DONATE TO ABORTION FUNDS

https://www.aclu.org

https://abortionfunds.org

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/txfunds

ABORTION RESOURCES

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/get-care/our-services

https://www.ineedana.com

https://needabortion.org

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Sources

https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/dobbs-v-jackson-womens-health-organization/