Two years ago, on June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case that reversed federal protections for abortion and overturned Roe v. Wade. It marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over reproductive rights in the United States and stripped away the constitutional right to abortion that had stood for nearly half a century. The anniversary of this ruling is a somber reminder of the significant changes it has brought to abortion access across the country.
And as so many of us in the abortion rights movement know, the overturning of Roe v. Wade was just the beginning. The attacks on mifepristone, a medication used for medical abortions, and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) case, which deals with a state’s ability to ban abortion even in the case of a medical emergency, exemplify the ongoing efforts to restrict access to reproductive health care. And many of these efforts are happening in states close to home.
In our neighboring state of Idaho an abortion ban has put patients at risk, forcing them to travel to other states for abortion care even in the case of emergency because their state legislators are ripping away their reproductive rights.
Did you know? The U.S. Supreme Court decided in January to consider a case about whether a federal law regarding emergency medical treatment supersedes an abortion ban in Idaho. As a result, “air transports out of state for pregnancy complications at one of the state’s largest hospitals have increased from one in all of 2023 to six in the past four months.” Physicians have had to advise patients to seek memberships with flight networks to help them avoid significant costs, something that is causing fear for many and should not ever be the new normal. (Idaho Capital Sun).
As we reflect on the Dobbs decision, it is crucial to consider how the decision has affected us all personally and to share the stories of those who were directly impacted not just by the Dobbs decision, but the continued threat to our rights over our own health and bodies.
For many of us, the day the Dobbs decision was announced is etched into our memories. For supporters of reproductive rights, it was a day of profound emotion and reflection. Some of us had poignant conversations with our families about abortion rights for the first time, some of us sprang into action, and so many of us asked: how did we get here?
Below, we share some personal accounts from our supporters and staff, capturing their feelings on that day and their thoughts on moving forward.
Kat’s Story: A Personal Impact
Kat, a long-time advocate for women's rights, recalls the moment she heard the news. "The Dobbs decision, when it went down in 2022, was just heartrending for me because all I could think about was my daughters and the women who are going to come after me that dont have the rights that I did.”
Since highschool she has been advocating for a women’s right to choose and has been involved fighting for the ERA and with Planned Parenthood. For Kat, with the Dobbs decisions she says “it is vital that we as women and the men who support us, keep agitating, being active and voting so that we can regain our right to choose.”
Lindsey’s Experience: Disappointment and Action
For Lindsey, the Dobbs decision was disappointing and saddening as she looked to see where she could act next. Lindsey reflects on the Dobbs anniversary saying: “Today we are reflecting on the Dobbs anniversary and kind of looking back at where we have been and where we are going… I think personally I was holding out hope that that wasn't going to be the case and that the Dobbs decision was going to be different than what was leaked.” Lindsey shares how it was a tough day, one that was sad and almost surreal. However, she also shares how much can come from the day and how important it is to push forward and fight: “It was a very sad, sad day, but one filled with a lot of action and a lot of things that you know, the state of Nevada had to take immediate action on… it got us all to kind of spring into action and make some serious decisions about what access looks like in our state and how we were going to kind of command some of those issues, which is why the constitutional amendment is so important for this next election cycle.”
Briana’s Perspective: Reflecting on what Dobbs means for choices around parenthood
Briana wanted to reflect on all that has happened over the past 2 years, and the impact that the Dobbs decision has had in changing how she views her life: “Personally, I haven’t decided if I want to be a parent yet, but the future of abortion access will absolutely impact that decision. I cannot imagine experiencing pregnancy without the security of protected abortion access, and I know that, heartbreakingly, that’s something that many in this country are facing today.” However, with all the fear and uncertainty Briana also shares how she sees herself and others pushing forward: “I’ve also seen hope and determination and empowerment. I’ve had so many people I love share their abortion stories with me for the first time in their lives, sometimes even sharing that story publicly because they know it matters. I’ve seen people get involved in ways they never had before- volunteering, donating, voting.”
Kim M, Planned Parenthood supporter shares a life changing story:
Kim M is a mother of a recent Honors high school graduate. She cherishes raising a son who champions women's rights and reflects on her own abortion story. Kim says: “As a mother of a recent Honors high school graduate, I take tremendous comfort in knowing I raised a wonderful young man. My son also champions women’s rights. On the other hand, I had to face a situation, before he was born, where I needed an abortion procedure due to a medical condition that would have caused me to not have my son later. This was a hard choice, I was divorcing, felt alone, and my body, even after several surgeries in the past, had failed me. I was devastated. I remember the horrible people outside the clinic in Florida yelling at me and shoving their signs in my way. I turned to one woman and asked (them all), “How many of you have adopted any of these children you saved?” Not one of them had an answer. Same with the politicians and those on their soap boxes, how many children have they adopted? How many unwanted children did they foster?
After five years, with the grace of God and the love of my new husband, we surprisingly had great news of being pregnant. If I did not have a CHOICE then, my son would possibly not be alive today. He is going into the military after being a highly decorated NJROTC cadet - he wouldn’t have been able to grow, laugh, love, and now serve his country, if I did not have a CHOICE.”
The Road Ahead:
As we move forward, it is essential to continue sharing these stories and reflecting on the personal impact of the Dobbs decision. Each account highlights the importance of resilience, community, and action in the face of adversity. While the path ahead is challenging, the strength and determination of our supporters give us hope.
In the wake of the Dobbs decision, Planned Parenthood Votes Nevada and its allies remain committed to fighting for reproductive rights. The attacks on mifepristone and the EMTALA case are stark reminders of the ongoing threats to reproductive health care. That’s why we’re supporting the effort to codify abortion rights in our state constitution, electing representatives who will actually stand up for our rights, and advocating for better abortion and reproductive health care policies in our state legislature.
The anniversary of the Dobbs decision is not just a time to remember; it is a call to action. Let us honor the experiences of those affected by this ruling by continuing to fight for reproductive justice and ensuring that our voices are heard. Together, we can create a world where every individual has the right to make decisions about their own bodies and futures.
Don’t forget to check us out on Instagram @PPVotesNevada where you can see video versions of the stories above and learn more about our continued efforts to protect our reproductive freedom.
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