Early Friday morning, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, destroying the precedent that had secured abortion rights, severely allowing states to restrict access to reproductive healthcare. At the same time, the court overturned Casey v. Planned Parenthood, a later decision that largely upheld Roe.
The courts stated, “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.”
However, abortion rights are not eliminated by the ruling.
Some states have sworn to maintain access to abortion, and as a result, they will likely turn into a haven for individuals who can afford to fly there and receive treatments. The 22 states with abortion restrictions are unsure how quickly their limitations will go into force.
For example, the GOP-controlled legislature in Oklahoma just passed a bill that would outlaw all abortions, except in situations where the pregnant woman’s life is in danger or rape has been reported to the police.
Republicans are promoting abortion restrictions in states that do not make an exception for rape or incest victims.
Many organizations are also arranging to support those who want to get abortions by paying for their travel and medical care in places where the procedure is still allowed.
Medication abortion is another choice, allowing some women who choose to end their pregnancies to do so at home. State-level abortion prohibitions have also targeted medication abortion, although supporters say that more people will likely obtain the drug and perform their abortions if restrictions are implemented.
