On Friday, June 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court officially overturned Roe vs. Wade, a 1973 landmark decision which ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a woman’s right to a safe and legal abortion. For almost half a century, the Roe vs. Wade decision meant women had a constitutional right to access abortion, but now that it’s been overturned, this right will be pulled back in almost half of all U.S. states immediately.
Samuel Alito, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the U.S., said that any decisions that reaffirmed Roe would need to be overruled since they were “egregiously wrong” with arguments that were “exceptionally weak” and so “damaging” that they amounted to “an abuse of judicial authority,” according to NPR.
However, with almost half the country losing access to abortions seemingly overnight, many people are understandably concerned that young people, marginalized communities and people experiencing poverty will turn to unsafe methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies, which could be dangerous or potentially life-threatening. Millions of women have lost the fundamental human right to make decisions about their own bodies, and people are appropriately enraged.
These Celebrities Are Reacting to Roe vs. Wade Being Overturned
Many public figures, celebrities and activists have taken the opportunity to speak out about this atrocity, using their platform to spread the word about the need for change. Here are just five noteworthy figures who have used their voice to express their dissent at the overturning of Roe vs. Wade:
1. Meghan Markle
In a recent Vogue conversation with journalist Jessica Yellin and legendary feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Meghan Markle spoke out about the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, calling it a “blueprint for reversing rights” and noting that her husband Prince Harry’s reaction was just as guttural as her own. She mentioned her own experiences with miscarriage in the past, arguing that “nobody should be forced to make a decision they do not want to make.”
2. Gloria Steinem
In the same conversation with Markle, Steinem shared her own experiences with abortion, noting that if she hadn’t had access to a safe abortion years ago, she wouldn’t be where she is today. She also noted that much of the force behind the anti-abortion movement is driven by white racists who are afraid of becoming a minority in the country.
“A big part of the problem, of course, is that we have a Supreme Court that does not represent the country. Perhaps because I’ve been here longer, which means I’ve been here before, I say we are going to do what we need and wish to do. Something like one in three American women had an abortion when it was illegal. The need and the right to govern one’s own body continues. We need to translate it into a political reality,” Steinem said.
3. Michelle Obama
As one of the most influential women in the U.S. and the world at large, Michelle Obama has a powerful platform to put to good use in the fight against the anti-choice movement. On Friday, she released a long statement containing her thoughts on Roe vs. Wade being overturned, noting that she’s heartbroken for the people who have lost a fundamental right to make decisions about their own bodies, especially since this is a reality our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers have already had to live through.
“This moment is difficult, but our story does not end here. It may not feel like we are able to do much right now, but we can. And we must,” the former First Lady of the U.S. wrote.
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4. Taylor Swift
Iconic musician Taylor Swift also weighed in on the issue, reposting Obama’s statement for her 90.4 million followers to see, with the words: “I’m absolutely terrified that this is where we are – that after so many decades of people fighting for women’s rights to their own bodies, today’s decision has stripped us of that.” Swift has been outspoken about abortion rights in the past, noting in 2020 that she’s “obviously pro-choice.”
5. Phoebe Bridgers
“Motion Sickness” singer Phoebe Bridgers also bravely shared online about her own experience with abortion, which she lived through last October while on tour, to raise awareness about the need for safe and easy access to abortions for everyone — not just those who live with privilege.
“I had an abortion in October of last year while I was on tour. I went to planned parenthood where they gave me the abortion pill. It was easy. Everyone deserves that kind of access,” she wrote, also linking to a list of abortion funds for people to donate to.
Where to Donate After Roe vs. Wade Was Overturned
If you’d like to contribute to the cause, here are three organizations to donate to and show your support:
2. National Abortion Federation Canada
3. National Network of Abortion Funds
If you’re in need of an abortion, find a verified abortion provider at abortionfinder.org.
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Lead image by Fitz /Adobe Stock.
