50 years of precedent: overturned.

50 years of precedent: overturned. The Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade – stripping away the constitutional right to an abortion. Even though these protections were in place for nearly half a century, the Supreme Court, with its 5-4 decision, took back the fundamental right to control one’s own body and make decisions about their own healthcare.  Each state will now be able to determine its own abortion laws – with more than half likely to limit abortion access and force pregnancy.

We knew it was coming, after a draft leak last month, but the ruling is still heartbreaking and appalling. The abortion ban will have immediate and detrimental effects- especially for Black women and those who can become pregnant. A recent study from Duke suggests the Black maternal death rate could increase to 33 percent with a complete abortion ban. Expectant Black mothers are four to five times more likely to die prior to or during labor due to the lack of access to prenatal care. By eliminating Roe, the Supreme Court is putting Black lives and families at risk. Their unborn babies, too. 

Next comes the domino effect. Contraception and other decisions made in private will be at risk. This ruling lays the groundwork for other Constitutional rights to be gutted. It eviscerates the right to privacy. Same-sex marriage could be called into question. Perhaps even interracial marriage is up for re-opened debate. The basis for rolling back rights is scary. This decision begs the question: If they can do all of this, what else is on the horizon?

This decision is an injustice. We must fight for reproductive justice, fight for access to abortion, and fight for our fundamental rights. We cannot wallow in the afflictions imposed on our country, but rally together and raise our voices for generations to come.

In solidarity,

Marissa Matusiak

Raise Black Voices, Founder