Abortion Rights in the USA

Abstract

The US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe vs Wade ruling in July 2022. A highly controversial decision with wide ranging impact on the rights and health of women both in the USA and across the world. There is no doubt that this judicial ruling will disproportionately affect those who are poor, with little access to healthcare; disabled, minors and those with physical or mental disabilities.[1] Rural women of colour from the Southern States are likely to be the worst affected.[2] This has far wider implications than only affecting the poor and marginalised. Removing legal protection for abortions cannot be considered an isolated event. It sits squarely within the realm of human rights of the woman, her right to bodily autonomy, right to dignity and economic prosperity. In countries where women are safeguarded in their reproductive rights, civil society should be vigilant about ensuring these rights are equitable. The access to safe and affordable abortion is every human’s right. It is up to us to safeguard it with everything we have.