No matter where your beliefs fall on the political spectrum, today is a pretty big-deal day for women. Why? Because it's the 42nd anniversary of the passage of Roe v. Wade—a law that gave women control over their bodies and the right to make a decision that's never easy to make.
Forty-two years later, the fight isn't over, especially when it comes to individual states (and male lawmakers, for that matter) respecting and representing women's rights.
The situation in the South continues to be scary: Doctors who perform abortions—a legal service—are murdered while sitting in church pews. Several states have shuttered legitimate clinics so that women don't have access to reproductive healthcare. Over the last four years alone, states have passed 231 new laws restricting a woman's right to have an abortion.
Just yesterday House Republicans were supposed to vote on a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks (but then someone must have realized it might be a little gauche to take back the freedom for women to control their own bodies on the anniversary of the day that gave women the freedom to control their own bodies). Then today, a bill was passed that bans the use of federal tax dollars to cover abortions—leaving fewer options for women with Medicare, restricting a woman's ability to buy a private plan that includes abortion coverage, and denying small businesses the tax credit they currently receive through the Affordable Care Act.
Abortion is one of the most polarizing issues of our time. But it's one that touches one in every three women over the course of her life. As we move toward the 43rd anniversary, we hope those women are part of the conversation too.
You should also check out:
These Will Be the Biggest Feminist Issues of 2015
Nicki Minaj Opens Up About Having an Abortion
-
Cody Rigsby Has the Most Relatable Fictional Crush"I just think he could really like throw you around in the bedroom."
-
Paris Fashion Week’s Street Style Is Paying Due Respect to Beauty
Hair clips, nail art, and piercings round out fashion month’s circuit.
-
Ava Phillippe Wears Ethereal White to Stella McCartney’s Paris Fashion Week Show
She added a clutch and snakeskin sandals to complete the look.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
