Roe v. Wade was a 1973 Supreme Court ruling which asserted that the Constitution protected a woman’s right to an abortion.
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court voted to overturn this decision.
As a result of this new decision – Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – several states have activated pre-existing laws to ban abortion. Many women are now left confused about what this means for their rights.
The purpose of this article is not to give an opinion one way or the other regarding the appropriateness of the Supreme Court’s decision. Instead, our goal is to inform women, especially African American women about their options in light of the decision.
The overturn of Roe v. Wade did not remove abortion rights. Instead, it made the regulation of abortion a State matter instead of a Federal one.
Traveling to a different state
Some people believe that the absence of Roe v. Wade protections prohibits them from obtaining an abortion, however, this is not the case.
The overturn of Roe v. Wade did not remove abortion rights. Instead, it made the regulation of abortion a state matter instead of a federal one.
The laws that ban abortion are only applicable in the State where that law is enacted. A person who wants to get an abortion can still travel to a different state to have the procedure performed.
If you cannot afford the traveling expenses, you should check to see if your employer provides reimbursement. Here are some companies that currently offer these benefits.
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Netflix
- JPMorgan Chase
- Nike
- Starbucks
- Zillow
- Warner Bros Discovery
- Comcast-NBC Universal
- Kroger
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- and more
Adoption
Placing a child up for adoption is no doubt a difficult decision. However, it is an alternative that should be considered if abortion is not available or if your personal views make abortion difficult for you.
Adoption does not always have to take place within the legal system. Allowing a trusted family member to raise your child is often a more convenient form of adoption. You may still be able to have a relationship with the child without bearing the financial or emotional responsibility.
Whether you choose a legal or unofficial adoption, it is important to understand the rights of the birth father in these decisions.
Child Safe Haven
State Safe Haven laws were enacted as a result of a growing number of mothers abandoning their unwanted children on roadways or dumpsters.
The Safe Haven laws allow you to legally and anonymously turn over your baby to the state without fear of prosecution. All 50 states have some form of Safe Haven protection.
These laws are an alternative for women who have decided that they do not want to care for their child after it is born. However, the protections offered by Safe Haven laws will only apply to babies. In some states, the baby cannot be more than 72 hours old and in other states, the child can be up to one (1) month.
It is important to research the laws of your state before you turn over your child to a Safe Haven facility.
