In what has become one of the worst decisions the United States Supreme Court has ever made comes the enslavement of a woman's right to choose how and what she does with her body. It amounts to enslavement of her vagina.
With this decision, the Supreme Court has sided with those who believe that a woman's body is not her own (and apparently belongs to the government). This dangerous precedent could have far-reaching consequences for women's rights –an ultimate setback.
A fundamental right that should be protected has again enslaved women by taking away their right to choose; and the right to act freely and autonomously, without interference from others - especially the fucking government.
YES, I am angry! It is 2022! Women should not still face restrictions on their personal choices, particularly when it comes to their bodies. I get it; abortion is a controversial topic. And it may not be the right choice for everyone, but it should be an option for those who want or need it.
Restricting abortion only puts more pressure, stress, and mental anxiety on women who already have enough to worry about - they shouldn't have to worry about whether or not they'll be able to get an abortion if they want one. The same goes for contraception and reproductive healthcare.
Protect Fetuses, but Not Kids in School
What bothers me even more is that the US Supreme Court has done nothing to protect our babies in schools by enforcing gun-control laws that protect them. As a result, our children are left vulnerable to attacks by people who should never have access to firearms in the first place.
The Second Amendment does not preclude reasonable regulation of firearms. Yet, the Court has consistently refused to uphold laws that would help keep guns out of the hands of criminals and mentally unstable individuals. But you want to regulate a woman’s body and her right to choose!!!
And let’s not even look at the reality for minorities.
Black women in the United States have long been subjected to a unique combination of racism and sexism that has placed them at a distinct disadvantage in healthcare and society. This is perhaps no more evident than in the realm of maternal care, where Black women are more likely to experience poor outcomes than their White counterparts. From higher maternal mortality rates to greater rates of preterm birth, Black women face challenges regarding their health and wellbeing. And not having the freedom to decide on whether she wants an abortion is unjust.
Now, let’s honest, banning abortion will not stop abortions from happening; they make them more dangerous. Abortion bans will disproportionately impact low-income women and women of color. For many women, travel and time off work are not an option. This creates a two-tiered system for women who lack affordable healthcare; nor can afford to care for a child. Additionally, the cost of childcare options significantly burdens women, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs. Wade has made it difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions, putting their health and lives at risk. The fight for reproductive rights is far from over, but the stakes are higher than ever.
We must do everything we can to protect every women's ability to make their own decisions about their body and future. Not being able to do so is enslavement of every woman’s vagina!
Dr. Pam Gurley is an accomplished author, CEO, podcaster, professor, professional speaker and businesswoman. Her ultimate objective: Work every day to change how Black women are perceived.