Your Body after Roe v. Wade

"I am heartbroken," said the former first lady, Michelle Obama. "I am heartbroken for the teenage girl, full of zest and promise, who won't be able to finish school or live the life she wants because her state controls her reproductive decisions; for the mother of a nonviable pregnancy who is now forced to bring that pregnancy to term; for the parents watching their child's future evaporate before their very eyes; for the health care workers who can no longer help them without risking jail time."

On June 24, when the Supreme Court reversed the legislation of Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to an abortion, there was a collective cry of indignation. Angry and saddened that the advances we've made in our country for women and women's rights have been diminished yet again. Where women could once make a choice for their personal health and lives, they are now left scrambling to find solutions if their state doesn't support them. This should not be the case.

After the ruling, Meadow, daughter to the late actor Paul Walker, shared on Instagram that she had an abortion in 2020. "It is a very private and personal experience, the way it should be," she said, noting that it allowed her "to be the happy and healthy person" she is today. Meadow went on to say, "In a world that constantly marginalizes females, this feels like the biggest assault of them all. Banning abortion doesn't prevent abortions, it prevents safe abortions."

If you are feeling scared or confused right now, please know that you are not alone. There are still advocacy organizations who are standing strong to support women.

1. Planned Parenthood

In light of the overruling, Planned Parenthood is doubling down on their mission to "make sure people have access to the information and resources they need to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures." As the CEO and president Alexis McGill Johson said, "In the immediate, we are expanding our patient navigation efforts and building capacity for health centers to see more patients in states where abortion access will remian legal." For patients needing to navigate their abortion access journey, Planned Parenthood will help them receive funding, travel resources, transportation, and accommodations.

Lizzo recently tweeted that she is pledging $500K from her upcoming tour's earnings to Planned Parenthood and abortion organizations. In addition, Live Nation Entertainment, a ticket sales corporation, has agreed to match her donation, bringing the total to $1M. This is good news!

2. American Civil Liberties Union

The ACLU is working to help women through policy. According to Senior Counsel, Jessica Arons, the ACLU will be filing lawsuits "alongside abortion providers and partners to prevent bans from taking effect. We're also working to pass ballot measures in Michigan and Vermont that would amend the state constitution to protect abortion, as well as fighting to stop measures aimed at taking away abortion rights in Kansas."

3. Ms. Foundation for Women

TMs. Foundation for Women's mission has always been to build women's collective power in the U.S. in order to advance equity and justice for all. They advocate for and help women through abortions funds, grants to non-profits and reproductive justice organizations. Donations to Ms. Foundation go straight to these grassroots efforts.

4. The Center For Reproductive Rights

The Center For Reproductive Rights are a global human rights organization of lawyers and advocates who fight for fundamental human rights—dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person. CEO and president for the Center, Nancy Northup said, "The Court's opinion delivers a wrecking ball to the constitutional right to abortion, destroying the protections of Roe v. Wade, and utterly disregarding the one in four women in America who make the decision to end a pregnancy. Its impact is gonna reverberate beyond abortion. Putting at risk constitutional protections for the use of contraception, intimate sexual relationships, and the right to marry, and other intensely personal decisions. So we will be back in court tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, making sure as much as possible that abortion access can be retained."

Additional Resources

As women, your health and wellness are a priority. Here are some more resources to help you stay safe, educated, and own your body.

• This State-By-State Guide shows how states are handling abortion restrictions — including exemptions, medical abortion access, and parental consent rules.
• If you need help paying for travel out of state, check out this resource.
• Reproductive Justice Organizations– SisterSong, The Afiya Center, and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.
• Want to get politically involved? Reach out to your local congressperson.