After almost 50 years, the Supreme Court of the United States decided to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision which protected the rights of women to seek an abortion in the United States.
In the hours that followed, people with uteruses across the gender spectrum took to the streets to protest the draconian decision that saw the reproductive freedom and liberty for all placed in the hands of state governments—some of which are set to ban abortion completely, if they haven’t already.
The unprecedented ruling comes after an initial majority opinion draft was leaked to the public at the beginning of May.
Until this point, the five Supreme Court justices who voted to overrule the case, including Brett Cavanagh and Samuel Alito, had maintained the verdict of Roe v. Wade was precedent setting.
In the wake of the ruling, many politicians and celebrities across the political spectrum took to social media to share their own stories of abortion and response to the ruling in support for the approximate 7.2 million women of reproductive age who are now unable to access legal and safe abortions.
The harrowing ruling has now come into effect in nine states with no expectations for rape or incest. The New York Times has projected another 12 states will likely prohibit or restrict legal, safe abortions in the coming days.
Amongst feelings of fear, disbelief and total trebitadation and foreboding for the future of American women, it’s difficult to articulate the anger and ire many are feeling.
However in these times of uncertainty, it sometimes helps to look to some of the world’s influential figures to formulate your own thoughts.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most poignant responses to Roe v. Wade overruling.
Michelle Obama
In the hours after the Roe v. Wade ruling was overturned, former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama took to social media to share her heartbreak a the ruling, for “people around the country who just lost the fundamental right to make informed decisions about their own bodies”.
It was a message that resonated with many, who in turn reposted her statement on their own pages. Read the statement for yourself below.
Barack Obama
Alongside his wife Michelle, the former President of the United States also shared his thoughts on social media.
“Today, the Supreme Court not only reversed nearly 50 years of precedent, it relegated the most intensely personal decision someone can make to the whims of politicians and ideologues—attacking the essential freedoms of millions of Americans,” wrote Obama.
“For more than a month, we’ve known this day was coming—but that doesn’t make it any less devastating,” he added, referring to the leaked majority draft opinion.
Back in May, the Obama’s shared their collective reaction to SCOTUS’ drafted ruling.
“Under the Court’s logic, state legislatures could dictate that women carry every pregnancy to term, no matter how early it is and no matter what circumstances led to it — even rape or incest,” he wrote back in May.
“The consequences of this decision would be a blow not just to women, but to all of us who believe that in a free society, there are limits to how much the government can encroach on our personal lives.”
Viola Davis
Viola Davis, who is currently portraying the Michelle Obama in the series The First Lady, desrcibed her reaction as “gutted”.
“And so it goes….Gutted. Now more than ever we have to use our voice and power! WE the people,” the actress wrote on Twitter.
Grace Tame
Former Australian of the Year and child sexual assault victim survivor, Grace Tame, has shared her thoughts on the overruling on social media.
“A part of democracy died today. Women’s sense of freedom too. Worldwide,” the 27-year-old wrote.
“I’d had maybe 4 periods before I lost my virginity to a 58yo paedophile who raped me, sometimes without protection. For some our womanhood is taken from us before we even have it. And that is not a choice.”
Tame added: “The people have been betrayed by both sides; by a calculated long game. A cabal.”
Robyn Lawley
Model and body positivity activity, Robyn Lawley, described her reaction to SCOTUS’ Roe v. Wade ruling as “shocked and sickened”.
Taking to Instagram, Lawley wrote “my body my choice” on her nearly-naked body, before sharing her own abortion story on social media.
“After the birth of my daughter I was extremely sick- I had 2 strokes due to Lupus and APS, I became pregnant and had to make the decision of abortion- it was a horrible hard decision to make, however I knew my body was unable to carry another,” the model wrote.
“That decision is the mothers to make, and although mine was a medical decision, if you are not ready to become a mother that should also be counted. Becoming a mother is a very big step in a person’s life and we should be wanting that step, not forced into,” she added.
The statement concluded with Lawley explaining what could happen to many mothers with the new anti-abortion legislation who have also difficult pregnancies.
“I suddenly realize that in Texas for example- those times I became pregnant with active lupus/APS I would have no other decision accept bare the child. And probably dying half way thru the pregnancy – essentially killing both mother and fetus or becoming more incapacitated.”
Lorde
While performing at Glastonbury, Lorde joined the legions of A-listers like Billie Eilish, Phoebe Bridgers and Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen who used their sets to protest the SCOTUS decision.
While performing ‘Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen It All)’, Lorde changed the closing monologue to deliver a powerful statement on women’s bodies.
“You wanna know a secret, girls? Your bodies were destined to be controlled and objectified since before you were born. That horror is your birthright,” she sang.
“Here’s another secret – you possess ancient strength, ancient wisdom. Wisdom that has propelled every woman who came before you. That wisdom is your birthright. I ask you today, make accessing that wisdom your life’s work, because everything depends on that,” the star added.
Lorde concluded the song by chanting “f**k the Supreme Court.
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