In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has decided to overturn Roe v. Wade , a decades-old ruling that protected abortion as a constitutional right.
The vote was slim, but it still leaves many people fearing for their bodily autonomy, and leaves others wondering what rights could come under fire next, especially considering those in the Supreme Court already brought up a few they want to reconsider.
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The U.S. Supreme Court has officially overturned Roe v. Wade.
The 1973 ruling secured abortion as a constitutional right, but that’s now been walked back in a 5-4 vote. Individual states will now have full freedom to ban abortions.
There was also a 6-3 vote in favor of upholding Mississippi’s abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
So, what happens next?
Approximately half of U.S. states are expected to introduce new limitations regarding abortion, whether it be stricter laws about who is eligible for an abortion or simply banning it outright. Thirteen of those states have ‘trigger laws’ that will automatically outlaw abortion now that Roe has been overturned.
Other rulings were brought up as well.
It was mentioned that Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell should all be reconsidered, which are the rulings that protect contraception, same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade sets a dangerous precedent for many and leaves much of the country fearing what may be next.
The public is already reacting to the news.
Former President Barack Obama declared this a reversal of “nearly 50 years of precedent”, and urged those opposed to the ruling to gather with organizations like Planned Parenthood to join the fight for abortion rights.
People are rallying online and in person.
There were photos of more conservative crowds celebrating the news, but they’re quickly being overtaken by pro-choice protesters who are gathering outside the gates in growing numbers.
Others are sharing vital resources.
People are assuring others that there are there are still ways to access abortions even for those who live in states where they’re now, or will become, banned.
Some are bringing awareness to those most affected.
It’s well believed that women of color, namely black and Hispanic women, will be hit the hardest by a ruling like this, as they already face the highest mortality rate when it comes to having children, let alone the long history of medical negligence women of color face.
Many celebrities have already made their stances clear.
When the discussion around Roe v. Wade first drummed up in May, lots of stars spoke out against overturning it and were considerably pro-choice. As the confirmation breaks, we’re sure to see more celebrity statements condemning this decision.
Mostly, though, people are coming together to comfort one another.
For those who don’t have the capacity to fight right now, they’re venting their feelings online and sharing in the sorrow that people across the country are grappling with in the wake of this ruling.
It’s a scary moment in American history for plenty of people who just lost a big chunk of their rights to medical care at the drop of a hat, so communities coming together to support each other are imperative in a time like this.
