On Friday, June 27th the final opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was released in which a 6-3 vote decided to overturn Roe v. Wade. The final opinion overturned the landmark case that protected the right to abortion under the Constitution. The decision came after the first draft of the majority opinion was leaked to the public in May and Americans spent the next month anxiously awaiting the final draft. 

Consequently, trigger laws started banning abortion rights. States with a total ban on abortion include: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Missouri. 

Post-Roe World 

On Tuesday, June 21, protestors gathered outside of the Supreme Court to await the decision that since overturned Roe v. Wade. The protestor pictured climbed the barricade and handcuffed themself to the fence surrounding the Supreme Court as a form of protest.
Photo via Kate Hall

Nora Morse, Political and Field Director at Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocate, discusses the work and fight ahead for Planned Parenthood to get patients healthcare. Patients need to be aware of what the laws are like in their specific state, and Planned Parenthood is there to give that information. 

Abortion Funds are also a helpful resource, National Network of Abortion Funds helps patients find access to care by aiding patients through monetary support for transportation, appointments, childcare, and lodging. 

Planned Parenthood is also helping by looking at what can be done legislatively. “For example, in Indiana, the Legislature was called into a Special Session later this summer,” says Morse, “so we are working to rally our supporters to fight against any abortion ban that may be proposed.” Morse also discusses how Roe did not ensure equitable access to care to “people of color, trans people, and people without means…So, it is our responsibility to ensure the path forward includes everyone who needs care – Roe was the floor, not the ceiling.” 

A female member of the United States Capitol Police stands in front of pro-life protestors on Tuesday, June 21, just three days before the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Many women guarded the Supreme Court in the days leading up to the release of the opinion.
Photo via Kate Hall

For those who are anti-abortion, this is a moment for rejoicing. Congressman Billy Long representing Missouri’s 7th district said in a statement to the media “Six justices correctly overturned one of the worst decisions in Supreme Court history.”

“Roe v. Wade has no basis in Constitutional law and forced the states to accept the barbaric practice of abortion. I’ve never understand how a civilized society could possibly condone the killing of an innocent child in their mother’s womb…I am thrilled the State of Missouri has now outlawed all abortions in the state, in accordance with our “Trigger Law” to ban abortion immediately after Roe was overturned. Now I hope that we never look back.” 

To continue the fight to protect the unborn, Long promises to fight on the legislative front to prevent taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.

State of the Court and Executive

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on July 9th that would expand access to “medication abortions.” While some Democrats like Elizabeth Warren believe these are good first steps, there are concerns that the executive order cannot accomplish much since states still can ban abortion.

The language also is unfortunately vague which creates problems for change. Biden implores Democrats to vote and believes having two more Democratic seats in the Senate will allow Congress to codify Roe v Wade into law.

Biden told reporters at the White House “We cannot allow an out of control Supreme Court, working in conjunction with extremist elements of the Republican party, to take away freedoms and our personal autonomy;” however, the White House has not entertained the idea of reforming the Court or expanding it past the nine judges.

Article by Rebecca Dixon