This past Friday was an unbelievably sad day for women’s rights, reproductive justice, racial justice, and our movement for a just, multiracial democracy. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is an affront on democracy and equity in this country. As we have seen throughout history, eliminating woman’s constitutional right to make decisions about her own body will adversely impact women of color and members of the LBGTQ+ community, who disproportionately experience discrimination and access limitations to healthcare services and resources.  

The removal of this precedent of nearly half a century provides states the right to decide their abortion laws, and 26 states are poised to implement bans on all or nearly all abortions. We know this won’t end abortions; it will only end access to safe, affordable abortions. In addition, any states are also poised to criminalize both those receiving and those providing abortions, regardless of the circumstance. The additional mental toll this will take on women and their families is unfathomable. 

Now is the time to lean into our collective power and move into action. With the power to abolish abortion rights now at the state level, we must work with state legislators to ensure they make the right decisions to empower women to make their own decision about what is best for themselves and their families. And if they refuse to hear our voices, let’s make them hear our votes!

In Solidarity,

The Race Forward Team