Roe v. Wade 50th Anniversary: The Past, Present, and Future of Abortion Rights
Today marks what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion at the federal level. Historically, the anniversary has been a flashpoint for activism; in 1985, anti-abortion protesters demonstrate in front of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Years later, in 2022, abortion rights demonstrators protest in Washington, DC, as the US Supreme Court was poised to strike down the half-century-old Roe v. Wade precedent.
The New Reality of Reproductive Healthcare
The landmark ruling was overturned just shy of its 50th anniversary, drastically reshaping where and how people get abortions in the US. Today, crowded clinics, 8-hour drives and abortion pills are new reality on Roe's 50th anniversary. It’s still hard to believe that in states across America we have regressed dramatically when it comes to women’s rights and reproductive freedom.
The Trust Women Wichita abortion clinic is busier than ever since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June. The following table summarizes the operational shifts at this facility since the ruling was overturned:
| Operational Category | Impact and Changes |
|---|---|
| Patient Load | More than doubled |
| Staffing Levels | More than tripled |
| Operating Days | Went from offering abortions part-time to five days a week, most weeks |
| Demand Status | Nowhere near meeting demand |
Regional Challenges and State Restrictions
Florida is one example of this; since the fall of Roe we have seen the implementation of a 15 week abortion ban with a six week abortion ban pending enforcement. I believe firmly that someone’s ability to get the care they need should never depend on who they are, where they live, or how much they earn. As difficult as this reality is, we are fighting back.
Advocacy and Grassroots Mobilization
Floridians from across the state are committed to fighting for abortion access and the freedom to make our own decisions about when or if to start or grow our family. To achieve this, we must let’s continue to organize in our communities, support organizations that help people get abortion care, share our stories, support Floridians Protecting Freedom and demand that our lawmakers protect access to care so that we can make our own decisions about our lives and our futures.
- Supporting abortion funds
- Volunteering at health centers
- Helping to get abortion access on the ballot
As supporters of abortion access, we cannot forget that we are the majority, and we aren’t going anywhere.