Roe V. Wade: Looking Back

It's been seven months since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Looking back in history, it was on January 22, 1973, that the Supreme Court voted 7-2 in favor of Jane Roe to legalize abortion nationwide. This ruling struck down state laws that banned or severely restricted access to abortion, giving women the constitutional right to make their own decisions about their bodies and their health. 

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Roe v Wade, it is important to remember that the fight for reproductive rights is not over. It's essential to remember that sex education matters now more than ever. This controversial decision to topple this critical legislation shows how important it is to have the right tools to help us navigate, no matter the political or social climate. It helped ignite dialog regarding sex education and contraceptive options.  

Despite the status of the decision, President Biden declared January 22, 2023, to be the 50th Anniversary of the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision in order to honor how important it has been for sexual and reproductive health. 

The significance of Roe v. Wade

Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision handed down by the United States Supreme Court in 1973 that established the constitutional right to access abortion. Prior to this ruling, many women were forced to seek dangerous and illegal abortions, putting their lives at risk. The decision significantly affected women's rights and reproductive health in the U.S. It established that a woman has a constitutional right to make decisions about her own body. This decision has been a cornerstone of reproductive rights in the United States for nearly 50 years.

Despite its importance, Roe v Wade has been constantly attacked. In recent years, restrictions on abortion and contraception have increased. The most destructive move was the eventual reversing of this ruling. This anniversary confirms just how fragile policy decisions are and how important it is to fight for reproductive rights on an ongoing basis.

Help Protect and Expand Access To Abortion

• Support organizations that provide abortion care and advocate for reproductive rights. Organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the National Abortion Federation, and the Center for Reproductive Rights work at the forefront providing abortion services and defending reproductive rights in the courts.
• Educate yourself and others about the facts of abortion. Misinformation about abortion is rampant, and it's important to understand the facts and be able to communicate them to others.
• Speak out and share your own story. Whether it's through social media, writing a letter to the editor, or testifying at a legislative hearing, your voice can make a difference in shaping public opinion and policy.
• Volunteer at a clinic that provides abortion services.
• Speak out against abortion stigma and advocate for the importance of access to safe and legal abortion.

By taking action and standing up for reproductive rights, we can ensure that the legacy of Roe v Wade lives on for generations to come. It’s also ideal to equip ourselves with any tools that can navigate us through policy changes. One of those tools is knowledge of the value of sex education.

The importance of sex education

Sex education gives people the information and tools they need to make smart decisions about their sexual health and reproductive rights. Studies have shown that comprehensive and inclusive sex education leads to better reproductive health outcomes. This results in lower rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

However, many people don't have access to full and inclusive sex education, especially in underrepresented areas, and poorer communities. This lack of education makes it harder for people to understand their reproductive health and options. This can have serious effects, such as making people feel trapped or hopeless now that Roe v Wade has been overturned.

We need to make sure that everyone, no matter where they live or what they look like, gets a thorough and inclusive education about sexuality. It is critical that young people receive this education so that they can make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being. This means accommodating schools and communities with accurate information about birth control, consent, and how to have healthy relationships.

Final Thoughts

As we mark this momentous anniversary, let us commit to continuing the fight for reproductive rights and access to the information and resources we need to take control of our own bodies and our own futures. 

Since 1929, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region has served tens of thousands of women, men, and teens each year with quality reproductive health care and comprehensive sex education. Our mission is to provide access to high-quality health care and education, empowering people to make informed private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health.