Autonomy. Dignity. Those are the two words that keep coming to my mind as I re-read the book: My Own Words, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
In reaffirming Roe, the Casey Court described the centrality of “the decision whether to bear … a child” to a woman’s “Dignity and autonomy,” her “destiny,” her “Conception of … her place in society.”
A woman’s autonomy.
Something that many in my generation have taken for granted until recently.
In Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s words in reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding SB8: “...the Texas Legislature has deputized the State’s citizens as bounty hunters, offering them cash prizes for civilly prosecuting their neighbors’ medical procedures.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
Our right to reproductive choice, a constitutional right since 1973, is now in jeopardy.
Because of how the law is written, the repercussions are far greater than it has ever been. Anyone can now file a lawsuit against any party who “abet” or allegedly intend to “abet” abortions in Texas after six weeks of pregnancy. That implies those who provide transportation (e.g. taxi driver or rideshare driver), or lend money, or give advice for the procedure (e.g. a friend).
As a reward, the plaintiffs who win their cases would get at least $10,000 each; and there is no penalty for the plaintiff for losing. In essence, in Justice Sotomayor’s words, SB8 turns private citizens into bounty hunters, targeting not only women who need help, but also their support network. It is estimated that the law will prevent 85% of Texan women from accessing the procedure in the state; and those who cannot afford the time or money to travel will be the ones most impacted.
A handful of other states are now rushing to implement similar legislation around the United States.
It is a painful reminder that civil rights are never guaranteed, regardless of where you live; that being able to preserve however little gain we have, is a fight that never ends.
With more than 12 million children (16.8%) living below the poverty line, kids are more likely to live in poverty than adults in the U.S. In the state of Texas alone, 1 in 4 Texas children (20%) experience hunger, according to Feeding Texas. And children from families of color are more likely to experience poverty and food insecurity. When more women are forced to carry their pregnancy to term, what will be the mental, physical, and financial toll on these women and their families? And will this set a precedent for other state legislations on issues such as LGBTQ rights?
Who will speak up for those whose voices aren’t being heard? Who will protect those who don’t have a choice? Who will stand up and defend those whose rights are being threatened by our patriarchal society?
Women’s rights are human rights. Beyond the pink washing and empty words of support during International Women’s Day, who are you standing with? Are women ever truly free?
The silence speaks volume.
I wrote this 7 years ago but your essay prompted me to revisit.https://makeityourproblem.com/2014/09/08/have-you-ever-lost-your-voice/