The recent overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court of the United States has caused shock and concern across the nation. For those who advocate for women’s rights and identify as feminists, this ruling is viewed as a setback for the progress and victories achieved over the past fifty years. In this blog post we will explore the implications of this decision through a feminist lens by examining the various perspectives its created.
A signifICANT step backwards
Reproductive freedom has long been a topic of activism since its start in the 1960s and 1970s. It stood alongside issues such as workplace equality in their pursuit of gender equality. The landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade in 1973 was a moment that recognized a woman’s right to make decisions regarding their own bodies, including their choice to have an abortion.
Gloria Steinem, a figure for women’s rights serves as an inspiration to countless generations of women. Now at 88 years old she reflects on her experiences by recalling feelings of fear and desperation when she sought out an illegal abortion at age 22 while linving in London.
In the face of the Supreme Court’s decision, her response emphasizes the seriousness of the situation asserting that democracy cannot exist without individuals having control over their bodies.
The impact of a setback
The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has left women and feminists feeling disheartened. They are concerned about what this reversal means for the progress that women have made in society over the last five decades. Debbie Walsh, from Rutgers University’s Center for American Women and Politics, echoes the worries shared by many as she expresses fear that future generations might have rights than those who came before them. In an interview with U.S. News, Walsh says “one of the things I keep hearing from women is, ‘my daughters are going to have fewer rights than I did.” It feels like everything women fought for is now hanging in by a thread.
The Legacy of the Feminist movement
Reproductive freedom wasn’t the focus of the movement during the 1960s and 1970s, but it was one of its most influential causes. Throughout that era from 1963 to 1973 women accomplished milestones such as achieving equal pay, gaining access to birth control and passing Title IX, a law prohibiting educational discrimination, in 1972. The landmark ruling of Roe v. Wade in 1973 solidified women’s right to abortion. During that time, many women who would identify as feminists underwent illegal abortions or had friends who did. Abortion has been closely linked to the women’s movement as it has allowed women to actively participate in life and has contributed to the progress in women’s status over the past fifty years.
An Alarming Test
Heather Booth, one of the founders of the Jane Collective, an organization that provided abortions, shares an impactful experience from 1965 when a male friend sought her assistance with obtaining an abortion. This particular event led her to become involved with the Jane Collective, which went on to perform around 11,000 abortions over a span of seven years. Now at the age of 76 Booth sees the change surrounding Roe v. Wade as a challenge that could ruin the achievements of the women’s movement. Despite progress made over five decades, any attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade poses a threat that could unravel the fabric of democracy and freedom for which women have tirelessly fought.
Diverse Perspectives
It is important to note that not every woman holds a belief in having access to abortion rights. Women, like Linda Sloan, who volunteers for an organization advocating against abortion in South Carolina strongly believe in the rights of women particularly when it comes to job opportunities, pay and respect. She says, “I strongly believe and support women being treated as equals to men in job opportunities, salary, respect, and many other areas.” They firmly believe that women have attained positions of power and dismiss claims of oppression in the workplace.
On the contrary individuals like Cheryl Lambert a former Wall Street executive perceive this decision as a setback particularly considering the progress, she has made in her banking career. Being the woman appointed as an officer at her institution she views this ruling as a step and expresses concerns about what it means for future generations.
conclusion
The ruling by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade marks a turning point in the ongoing fight for women’s rights and reproductive freedom. Feminists like Gloria Steinem are resolute in their belief that women have always had control over their bodies and they will not be deterred by a court decision. Instead, this ruling only serves to create disobedience and a deep disdain for the judgment of those in power. Looking towards the future, feminists remain steady in their commitment to safeguarding their right to make choices about their bodies while also upholding values and individual autonomy. The battle is far from over. Women are determined to continue advocating for the rights that they have tirelessly fought for and successfully secured over the five decades.
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