Hi John xxxxxx,

Today should have been the 50th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Instead, this is the first full year that we don’t have federal protections for abortion and the first year we don’t have an anniversary to commemorate. Here’s a look at how we got here:

In 1970, after being denied an abortion, Jane Roe filed a lawsuit against the District Attorney of Dallas County, TX, Henry Wade. She filed this suit on behalf of herself and all women who seek to terminate their pregnancies. On January 22, 1973, this case was decided in a 7-2 decision.

Before this ruling, women suffered, and many died. They had to go to great lengths and travel far distances to obtain painful, illegal, and dangerous abortions. And in many circumstances, they attempted to self-induce abortions, including by using knitting needles, crochet needles, and more. The lesson: people will have abortions whether or not it’s legal.

Before it was overturned last year, Roe v. Wade stood for nearly half a century, protecting a woman’s right to choose. Now, it’s up to us to fight to protect our rights. Recommit to the fight for abortion access by joining our team today. →