As an organization committed to improving health and securing bodily autonomy for women and all birthing people across the gender spectrum, we are infuriated and devastated by the United States Supreme Court decision announced today to overturn Roe vs. Wade, which has provided constitutional protection for abortion rights for nearly 50 years.
This ruling endangers the health and safety of millions of women and other people with uteruses in approximately half of US states through severe restrictions or total bans on abortion access. Furthermore, this ruling will have a particularly profound impact on Black, Latina, and indigenous women and other people of color; young people; LGBTQ folks; immigrants; people with financial constraints; and those not living in large cities – especially those in rural areas. It is not a coincidence that these are the communities who are also most impacted by HIV. These issues are connected and we must protect access to vital healthcare services from abortion to comprehensive sexual health, to HIV care and prevention. And we know that this Supreme Court’s attacks on the dignity and bodily autonomy of our communities will not end here.
Some actions you can take right now, and in the near future:
- Read and listen to the words of Black women leaders from our partner organizations SisterLove and The Afiya Center, along with many others, in the joint statement Black Women Denounce Overturn of Roe, Call on Congress to Protect Reproductive Health and Rights
- Follow updates from grassroots, women of color-led organizations, like our partner organization SisterSong – whose work for reproductive justice and abortion rights in the US South and beyond spans decades
- Vote, vote, vote – in every election, no matter how big or small – and protect all our voting rights
- Participate in local protests and marches to be in community and demonstrate support
- Find or post rallies, petitions, and other resources through Planned Parenthood’s Bans Off Our Bodies campaign
- Learn more about this movement from the Liberate Abortion coalition
This is indeed a time of grief and rage for what we as individuals and movements have lost – and still stand to lose – with this decision. Please know that at The Well Project, we are grieving with you, standing with you, fighting with you. We will continue to provide updates, as available, on information and resources that may be useful to our community.
Yours in solidarity and with love,
The Well Project team
