Like many of you, we are both outraged and heartbroken by the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating nearly 50 years of a person’s constitutional right to not just terminate a pregnancy, but to also exercise bodily autonomy and control their future. It is an attack that goes beyond reproductive health and seeks to narrowly define what a woman’s role in America should be. It is expected that at least 26 states will ban abortions, jeopardizing the health of millions of pregnant people across America.
This attack on fundamental rights will exacerbate existing systemic inequities that contribute to low quality of life and economic hardship, particularly for Black and Brown people. The disparities in access to abortion that have existed for the last 50 years will only grow as people with money, with privilege, with resources, largely white people, will still be able to access safe abortions regardless of their state’s laws. Meanwhile, people of color who generally have less ability to pay for travel, take time off from work, and access childcare, will face the difficult choice of terminating a pregnancy unsafely or continuing an unwanted pregnancy that could jeopardize their health and future.
Moving forward, it is clear that this decision opens the floodgates for rollbacks on other rights including marriage equality and access to contraception. The bifurcation of our nation driven by the culture wars and politicization of the courts is likely to get worse before it gets better and will unquestionably endanger the health and lives of individuals, families, and communities across the country.
In the coming months and years, we will continually ask how can we help, and PHIMC encourages you to consider supporting the organizations listed below:
The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) boldly affirms a person’s right to bodily autonomy. They provide financial, logistical, and emotional support to people seeking abortion care in Chicago, in Illinois, and the Midwest.
The Midwest Access Coalition envisions a world in which all people have access to safe, free, legal abortions wherever they live.
Elevated Access’ volunteer pilots transport passengers at no cost to access the healthcare they need.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois‘ doors are open and they are here for you no matter where you are traveling from – no matter what. Abortion is legal. It’s still your right.
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Your feedback is always welcome, at info@phimc.org.
