Statement on US Supreme Court Decision to Overrule Roe v. Wade
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion,” which overrules Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. This is dehumanizing to women and birthing people who should be able to make their own healthcare decisions. It is a personal attack on the bodily-autonomy of so many of us, and it functionally takes away rights from millions of people who live in states that have not codified the right to an abortion. We must not only vocally oppose this ruling, but we must do so legislatively as well.
The implications of this decision will go far beyond abortion, and we must be ready for the fights ahead. The ruling of Roe v. Wade nearly 50 years ago made way for women and birthing people to be seen in the fullness of our humanity. It led to the expansion of reproductive care, increased health access, and saved lives. For people in vulnerable and harmful situations, including survivors of sexual violence, sex trafficking, and youth exploitation, more holistic and responsive care was made possible due to these court rulings. It also created a pathway for gender-affirming care because we know that transgender and gender nonconforming people are at the highest risk for disenfranchisement and poor health outcomes. And in his concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas stated that he hopes the Supreme Court will use the rationale of today’s ruling to overturn cases establishing rights to contraception, same-sex consensual relations, and same-sex marriage.
I am livid at today’s decision and am heartbroken at what this means for so many people. I have lived my whole life with these rights and the ability to access reproductive healthcare. Since I was in middle school, I have donated to abortion funds, I have supported friends and loved ones at clinics during times of high emotion and stress, and I have fought for healthcare access for everyone. As someone with many family members who work in healthcare, I know that access to reproductive healthcare is important—and I also know how inaccessible and costly it can be for women of color and trans people. Whether the government agrees or not, people will continue to get abortions and make choices about their own bodies, and doing so needs to be safe, legal, and accessible. That’s why our state and local governments must do everything in our power to ensure reproductive healthcare is a priority and protected, not only for residents of Minnesota but for those from surrounding states who may need to travel here to receive the healthcare they need.
Nationally, Congress and the President must take the necessary actions to codify abortion access and protections into Federal Law immediately. I strongly demand that our Representatives and Senators lead the efforts to pass a law that legalizes abortion nationally. 80% of Americans support the right to choose and it’s time the Democrats we elected create laws that meet the people’s view on this issue.
In Minnesota, thankfully, abortion is codified in our state constitution after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled so in Doe v. Gomez in 1995—so abortion will remain legal here. That said, it has always been inaccessible for working class people, people of color, and youth to afford or obtain an abortion here. We do not have enough reproductive healthcare clinics in the state, the costs of abortion-care are often prohibitive, and minors typically require presence by both parents listed on their birth certificate. We must take this as a mandate to expand access to abortion in our state. It is imperative that the state government allocate significant funding to abortion funds and existing reproductive healthcare clinics. And I call on state leaders to incentivize the opening of new clinics across Minnesota that provide abortion by allocating initial and ongoing funding. Finally, the state must prevent Crisis Pregnancy Centers and fake women’s health clinics from receiving funding and outlaw their malicious practices that often target people who have been marginalized by our systems.
In order for all residents to feel safe and supported here, we must ensure there are protections or supports at every level of government when it comes to accessing reproductive healthcare. I am committed to working with Hennepin County leaders and Hennepin Healthcare leaders to take action on this issue to increase access and funding for abortion—often local governments are the last line of defense for our rights.
The emotions we are all experiencing are valid. The fear for the livelihood for those of us this ruling directly affects is real. We must be purposeful in caring for ourselves and our loved ones—this is a traumatic time when our rights are under attack, supporting one another is needed in this time. It is clear that attacks on our humanity and rights will continue, so it is essential that our elected leaders take immediate action to ensure every person who lives in or travels to Minnesota can access reproductive healthcare—and for our elected leaders to defend the right for same-sex marriage.
I remain in this fight with you. Let’s continue demanding action from our electeds, they have the power to make essential changes here, don’t let them tell you otherwise. Thank you for all that each of you is doing.
With love and care,
Irene