Photo by Brandon Bell.
This month, Women’s History Month, is a time to honor women that contributed to our nation. This year’s theme, “Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Central to this is the recognition that reproductive rights are crucial to achieving true parity. Until government standards adequately address reproductive rights and needs, women cannot truly experience equality.
Unfortunately, strides towards reproductive rights have been made, only to be squandered. The Roe v. Waderuling in 1973 established abortion as a constitutional right.
Using the fake name Jane Roe, a woman from Dallas County, Texas, sued District Attorney, Henry Wade over a state law prohibiting abortion except to save a woman’s life. Roe claimed the law violated her constitutional right to privacy under several amendments.
The Supreme Court determined that a woman’s decision to have an abortion prevails over the state’s interest in prenatal life. Following this ruling, abortion had become a federally protected right, irrespective of state laws.
In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade through its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Consequently, individual states are now empowered to determine the legality of abortion within their borders.
This is a crucial issue, encompassing not just reproductive rights but the broader spectrum of women’s rights. Restricting access to abortion undermines women’s autonomy and denies them essential healthcare. Ultimately, women’s socio-economic well-being is contingent upon equal opportunities, mirroring those afforded to men.
Fortunately, there are organizations fighting to help women in need. Non-profit organizations such as WRRAP help to assist women in financing legal and safe abortions or contraception.
Florida allows abortion for up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Subjectively, this can be considered a reasonable amount of time to organize an abortion. Many states have already outlawed abortion since the Dobbs case, including Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, and more.
The responsibility of contraception is often placed on women.
Contraception, or the act of preventing pregnancy, goes hand in hand with abortion laws. Access to contraception in Florida is not free and can be determined by a person’s income. Obamacare was a huge stride towards giving people with health insurance free access to contraceptive methods approved by the FDA.
Many lawmakers are working towards passing laws that make is easier for women to access contraception in the state of Florida. Sadly, many of Florida’s Republican politicians keep this from happening. Organizations such as Planned Parenthood work to help those in need of accessing contraception.
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate how far women have come. It is also a time for women to recognize the retrogress of reproductive rights. With knowledge of the status of women’s rights, women can be empowered to make change with like-minded people in their community.