On June 24, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that established the constitutional right to abortion, protected under the 14th amendment of the Constitution. The Court’s 5-4 decision, which reverses nearly 50 years of precedent, provides each state the power to determine, set, and enforce its own abortion laws. At present, nearly half of the nation’s 50 states are expected to outlaw or severely restrict abortion. The implications will be dangerous and wide-reaching.
The June 24 move was preceded by a leak of a draft majority opinion indicating that the Supreme Court intended to overturn Roe v. Wade. The leaked document was obtained and published by Politico on May 2.
Protests have erupted across the nation and donations have poured in to abortion funds since the news of the Supreme Court’s decision was released on Friday morning, reports The New York Times. The vote, which reinforces economic, social, and political inequities while presenting the risk for higher rates of maternal morality and self-harm, has been met with outcry from the American public at large. Duly an injustice and a violation of women’s rights, the decision has magnified feelings of fear and grief in American women and in those who stand for reproductive freedom and rights. Emotions are running high as this crisis folds, so Dancing Astronaut has collected early reactions to the Court’s overturning of the constitutional right to abortion and compiled a list of mental health and abortion resources for our readers.
Mental Health and Abortion Support Resources:
Abortion financial assistance: National Network of Abortion Funds
Access to abortion pills: Plan C
Free legal advice: Repro Legal Helpline
Free medical advice and mental health support: Call/text +1 (833)-246-2632 (M+A Hotline)
Information on where/how to get an abortion: INeedAnA.com (provides personalized information on how to get an abortion, no search/user data saved)
Assistance with travel/logistics for those seeking an abortion: Practical Support Organizations
To volunteer: The United State of Women (USOW), Planned Parenthood, National Network of Abortion Funds
To donate: USOW, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, National Network of Abortion Funds, The Afiya Center, Our Justice
H/T: CNBC
Featured image: Olivier Douliery
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