Is This the End of the Line for Roe v. Wade?

Summary

The leaked SCOTUS draft opinion suggesting the overturning of Roe v. Wade has sparked concern among Americans, indicating a potential regression in women's rights and autonomy, with significant implications for reproductive rights and possibly other civil liberties.

Abstract

The potential overturning of Roe v. Wade, as indicated by a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion, has sent shockwaves through America. This development is particularly alarming as it suggests a rollback of women's rights, with the majority of Supreme Court justices having been appointed by presidents who did not win the popular vote. Public opinion, as reflected in recent polls, shows a strong preference for maintaining the ruling, with only 30% in favor of overturning it. Should the draft opinion become law, immediate and widespread restrictions on abortion access are expected across at least 13 states, with more likely to follow. The broader implications of this decision could extend to other civil liberties, such as LGBTQ+ rights. The article emphasizes the importance of voting in the midterm elections and notes that, for now, abortion remains legal in all 50 states, albeit with varying degrees of accessibility.

Opinions

The author expresses a sense of generational regression, as the current situation contradicts the progress made by previous generations of women's rights activists.
There is a clear concern about the democratic process, given that a majority of Supreme Court justices were appointed by presidents who lost the popular vote.
The author highlights the disconnect between public opinion, which largely supports Roe v. Wade, and the potential Supreme Court decision.
The article underscores the urgency for Americans to exercise their right to vote, especially in the context of the midterm elections, to influence the direction of these critical issues.
It is argued that the debate over abortion rights is fundamentally about women's autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own bodies, free from legislative interference.
The author suggests that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, it could set a precedent for challenging other civil rights, particularly LGBTQ+ rights, including gay marriage.

Will women in America today have fewer freedoms than their mothers and grandmothers had?

When my grandma and mom were out protesting for women’s rights in the 70s, they never could have imagined there would be a day when my daughter would have fewer rights and freedoms than they enjoyed.

This leaked document is the very reason why many women (and men) across America panicked when Mitch McConnell and the Republicans rushed Amy Coney Barrett through to the Supreme Court. She was confirmed about a week before election day. Now, the future of American women is in the hands of Supreme Court judges in which the majority were appointed by presidents that had lost the popular election.

Opinion polls show most Americans are against overturning Roe v. Wade. A recent CNN poll showed 30% of Americans would like to see the decision overturned, with 69% opposed.

What happens if the leaked document becomes reality? According to Axios, “Abortion would immediately become illegal in at least 13 states if the Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, and more would likely follow suit quickly.”

It doesn’t matter how you personally feel about abortion or whether you would or would not have one yourself. It’s about women having autonomy and reproductive rights over their own bodies. And not having medical decisions made for them by courts and legislatures.

What will be next on the chopping block? Most likely LGBTQ+ rights, including gay marriage. If any of this bothers you, please vote in the midterm elections.

For now, abortion is still legal in all 50 states and each state has at least one clinic, although some states have severe restrictions.

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