Our Bodies. Not Our Choice. For Now…
Dr. Akilah Cadet shares her raw yet insightful reaction to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Dr. Akilah Cadet photographed by Aubrie Pick.
I write this in a pitch-black room. My bedroom to be exact. We’ve known about a possible “decision” for a while. Leaked reports of the Supreme Court draft decision revealed our worst fears; Roe v. Wade overturned. Today it happened. I thought of drafting a piece last night, but I knew it would be my last night of peace. Perhaps I didn’t want to will it into existence. Yet here we are. Roe. v. Wade was overturned today. The opinion also outlines plans to go after other rulings that granted civil rights such as same-sex marriage. It will disproportionately impact historically excluded communities like Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC); LGBTQ+; and people with disabilities. I can’t help but think of my own intersectionality as a Black disabled woman.
Ending 50 years of the landmark 1973 decision means abortion is now a state issue. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, this could result in 23 states banning abortion overall. As of today, abortion is illegal in 5 states, illegal/soon to be illegal in 11 states, and legal/legal for now in 35 states. We officially have a country that is forcing unwanted pregnancies (including in cases of rape and incest) when we still do not have free or low-cost childcare, paid parental leave, mental health support, while biased stereotypes of women with children in the workplace persist.
This ruling will, of course, disproportionately affect BIPOC. Privileged white women will always have access to safe abortion as that is a benefit of white supremacy. But keep in mind this privilege can disappear in seconds with an ectopic pregnancy, emergency D+C, or other pregnancy related trauma where life saving care is denied due to state law. White supremacy is harmful to everyone.
As I think about becoming a mother myself I know I am putting myself at risk as America has the highest maternal mortality rates for a developed nation and is three to four times even higher for Black women. My heart breaks as I think about something that should bring me joy. With Roe v. Wade overturned we will see more systemic inequalities and societal harm like imprisonment and criminalization of women, advocates and medical providers resulting in loss of employment, and worse death.
Just yesterday the 6-3 Supreme Court decision overturned a New York law that limited carrying guns outside the home. Amongst hundreds of mass shootings we've had this year, the Supreme Court ruled that Americans have the right to bear arms in public. There is no constitutional right to bodily autonomy but there is, apparently, a constitutional right to conceal a weapon.
It's not lost on me that I celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX last night introducing Oakland first women's soccer team. And this morning I am processing the loss of 50 years of Roe v. Wade. I know it feels like two steps forward and twenty-two steps back. I know it feels as BIPOC and as women we cannot get a break.
You may feel frustrated. Anger. Loss of hope. But know you are not alone as two thirds of Americans feel abortion should be legal. Just remember to turn it into action. Take the time to see what rights you and those you love have in your state. Call, text, tweet and email your state representatives to protect abortion. Urge your state to follow Connecticut’s lead to protect abortion providers. Learn about and share information about the FDA approved medication abortion by mail. And send a supportive message to a woman you love on the dark historic day.
Maybe I am writing this in a dark room because I feel America is in a dark place. I know once the lights come on overturning Roe v. Wade will be real. I know I will have to get up and do the work to dismantle white supremacy, the precipice of patriarchy, lack of gun control, and the fear of what’s to come. But like every day, I will get up because my love language is dismantling white supremacy. I will get through this. You will get through this. We will get through this.