By Charlotte Steiger
The United States of America. One of the richest countries in the world, with one of the highest maternal mortality rates amongst its citizens. Founded in 1776, intact with the same flawed principles just as active as day one. A country confident that it’s reflecting the will of its people. Convinced, even.
Roe v. Wade, otherwise known as the landmark decision legalizing abortion within the country, is currently in the drafts of being overturned by the Supreme Court. This country thrives off of institutions dependent on a 5-4 vote. The outdated system, regardless of its representation, should not have as much power as it welds. It allows lifetime appointments overdue of retirement to authorize the rights of millions. With nine unelected officials grasping onto such power, it would be ironic to suggest that it doesn’t need abolishment.
“Even though the Constitution makes no mention of abortion, the Court held that it confers a broad right to obtain one.”
The draft, delivered by conservative Justice Samuel Alito, argues that Roe v. Wade imposes “highly restrictive regime on the entire nation” by not allowing pro-abortion states to enforce the laws they wish they could. Because such a right as abortion is not “deeply rooted in this nation’s history and tradition,” it seemingly should be overruled. This will lead to the overall decision up to each individual state, stating that this is what the Constitution “demands,” according to him.
Samuel Alito, in short, is a traditionalist. Alito’s goal is nothing less than to push the Court’s agenda further into a conservative direction. The Justice was nominated in 2005 with the intent of being a replacement moderate swing vote, ending up as the contrary. Hearings labeled him as honest, fair minded, even-tempered. Ironic, considering his vision is consistent in harming historically disadvantaged minorities of all sorts: the list neverending in no particular order.
The question remains: Who really controls America? Democrats currently have majority rule of not only the Presidency, but the House and Senate. For years we’ve been encouraged to “vote blue no matter who,” only to be dismissed by the same system that we’ve been begging for. Currently the issue of the Supreme Court revolves around the 2016 election, in which three out of the five that voted towards overturning were appointed by previously double-impeached Donald Trump. A president who, albeit won the election, lost both the popular vote and the respect of his nation. The implications of his actions still affect us today, handing the victory down towards ring-winged ideologies.
You’d think they’d reconsider. When the “freedoms” of pertained groups is received, someone else is always compromised at their expense. As it is, a quarter of women in particular get an abortion at least once in their lifetime. In the name of pro-life, millions of people nationwide will fall short of reproductive rights if Roe v. Wade is overruled. Safe abortions will be scarse, and those who already face barriers towards these options will be penalized.
The following pertains to those with a uterus, and anyone within the realms of reproductive authority. When the rights of these people is jeopardized, it neglects them the ability to make safer choices, out of reach of necessary medical care. In the case that abortion is only valid under rape, or emergencies, it gives full indication that the individual must be violated in order to receive the right of their own reproductive health. Forceful births as a result of an imposed conservative worldview is not “freedom,” nor is it pro-life in any regard.
“Roe was on a collision course with the Constitution from the day it was decided,” Alito contended. In his eyes, this subversion of American democracy has “inflamed our national politics in general.” Should Roe v. Wade be overturned, it’s estimated that roughly half of the United States is likely to either ban or restrict abortion almost immediately. States that will still allow abortion will have an influx of patients, while those who can’t afford to get there will fall with the burden of inaccessibility.
We live in a country disguised as perfect – stripping the rights of millions during the modern age. Those who are more likely to get abortions are unmarried, in their late 20s, or suffer with lower incomes. They’re disproportionally Black or Hispanic. They already have children to feed. We live in a country where the unjust prosecution of reproductive rights is more constitutional than not. We live in a country where it’s more constitutional for us to have … less rights?
Y’know, maybe slave owners didn’t create a flawless system of government after all.
June 24th, 2022. | As of June 24th, 2022 – Roe V. Wade has been overturned. Abortion is STILL LEGAL across the state of Illinois. Check out @ChiAbortionFund using the link attached for more details on abortion access, along with https://ineedana.com to find abortion clinics near you (if applicable).
Header image taken by Charlotte Steiger
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