SUPREME COURT DECISION OVERTURNS ROE V. WADE
As a mother, childcare provider, and leader of a racial and gender justice organization, I am devastated by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This landmark legislation has protected a woman’s right to choose for almost 50 years, and today, our country took a giant step backwards in ensuring all its citizens feel safe, protected, and valued. As we write this, 26 states are currently expected to ban or severely restrict abortion rights, and though I’m thankful that these rights will remain protected in our home state of New Jersey, the truth is no one is free until we are all free.
Every person deserves to choose if and when they become a parent. Restricting or banning abortions perpetuates systems of poverty and inequity, and puts countless lives at risk. The United States has the highest mortality rate of developed nations and does not provide free, universal childcare. Banning access to safe abortions disproportionately affects marginalized communities, the working class, and particularly Black and brown women. It also makes it more difficult and dangerous for women in abusive relationships to leave them.
Today’s decision—and its physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of forcing pregnancies—will have a lasting ripple effect throughout our nation. We stand in solidarity with our sister YWs and people in need of abortions. We promise to fight beside you in restoring the wrong done today by our Supreme Court, and we will only stop when healthcare, gender, and racial equity are achieved.
One in the mission,
Tay Walker