There’s no easy way to say this... abortion as we know it, is at risk.
The Supreme Court of the U.S. (SCOTUS) will be hearing opening arguments on December 1st, on a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade. Since 1973, the historic Roe v. Wade SCOTUS decision has given all people the right to a safe, legal abortion, and has prevented countless deaths from botched abortions.
The case challenging Roe v. Wade, is known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, and is the result of a long-fought battle in Mississippi. In March 2018, Mississippi banned abortions after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. In response, Jackson Women’s Health sued the state challenging the constitutionality of the law and won. The victory was short-lived because Mississippi responded by filling appeal after appeal, and in May 2021, we heard the disappointing news that SCOTUS agreed to review the case.
This brings us to today. We’re now facing the alarming possibility of a country in which 26 states are "certain or likely" to ban abortion. What we've seen this last month with Texas and SB8, the law that bans almost all abortions in the state after about six weeks of pregnancy, may become a reality for much of the nation.
We invite you join myself and Dipti Singh, the new Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV) General Counsel, to learn more about this case, get an overview on how our courts work, and what this case means for the future of abortion access. Dipti is a fierce advocate in the reproductive rights movement and an experienced litigator in addressing inequities in health care.
I hope you will join PPPSGV's virtual teach-in on December 1st. Bring your voice, a friend, and your favorite beverage. RSVP at https://bit.ly/teachscotus.
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