Sound The Alarm. We Should All Be Concerned About Abortion Rights.

We have seen this coming. We’ve known for years that the future of Roe v. Wade was in danger. So, it wasn’t a surprise to read Justice Alito’s leaked draft opinion overturning federal abortion rights last month.

But it was devastating. It confirmed our worst fears: such a drastic rollback of abortion rights is far from unthinkable—in fact, it looks as if it’s probable. And we’re not the only ones concerned. 

In fact, in a recent survey, we discovered that over half of New England respondents are concerned or very concerned about the fall of abortion rights. 

Overturning Roe v. Wade would mean that it’s up to each state to decide on their own abortion laws. Thankfully, most New England states have codified abortion into state law and will continue to protect access to abortion. However, if Roe is successfully overturned, there are 26 states with “trigger laws” — meaning that almost immediately after Roe is overturned, states like Kentucky, Utah, and Tennessee will move to ban abortions in their state. 

Image Courtesy of New York Times

This isn’t just an egregious violation of reproductive rights, but the impact of these trigger laws will go beyond those individual states. It’ll cause a domino effect in protected states as people cross state borders to recieve care – causing abortion providers to experience a demand they’re unable to keep up with. We’re already seeing it in Massachusetts. 

People will travel wherever they can get a direct flight, have family or support networks, or feel safe receiving care. New England can and must be a beacon for reproductive freedom as these state bans go into effect.  

So, what can we do?

The most important thing we can do to protect abortion access is to focus on protecting and expanding abortion access at the state level. Support the organizations that are advocating for abortion rights in their state. Donate. Volunteer. 

Fight.