Addressing the Injustice to Pregnant People
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landscape of reproductive health in the United States has shifted dramatically. For many pregnant people, these changes have not only restricted their access to essential care but also put their very lives at risk. Yet amidst this challenge, there remains hope—and the power to create change—through advocacy, education, and support for organizations working tirelessly to defend reproductive rights.
The Cost of Abortion Bans on Maternal Health
This ProPublica report on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a stark failure to track the maternal health consequences of abortion bans. Despite President Biden’s executive order directing federal agencies to evaluate the impact of restricted reproductive healthcare, the CDC has not asked states to examine how abortion bans contribute to maternal deaths. This gap in data collection leaves us unable to fully understand the devastating effects of these laws.
The human cost of these policies is already apparent. In states with strict abortion bans, pregnant people have been denied timely medical care even in cases of miscarriage. The fear of legal repercussions has caused healthcare providers to delay or refuse necessary interventions, sometimes with fatal consequences. For example, stories of women dying after being denied care for life-threatening complications underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis.
Finding Hope in Advocacy and Action
While the challenges are significant, the fight for reproductive justice is far from over. Numerous organizations are working to protect the rights of pregnant people and ensure access to comprehensive healthcare. Supporting these organizations can make a tangible difference in safeguarding reproductive freedoms and promoting maternal health.
Planned Parenthood remains a cornerstone in providing reproductive healthcare services, from contraception to cancer screenings and safe abortion care. In addition to their healthcare services, they advocate for policies that protect and expand reproductive rights. By donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness, individuals can help Planned Parenthood continue its vital work.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has long been at the forefront of defending civil liberties, including reproductive rights. Through its Reproductive Freedom Project, the ACLU challenges restrictive abortion laws in courts and advocates for policies that protect pregnant people. Supporting the ACLU’s efforts, whether through donations or grassroots activism, helps sustain the legal battles necessary to uphold reproductive justice.
Other organizations like the Center for Reproductive Rights, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and the National Network of Abortion Funds are also instrumental in this fight. These groups provide legal representation, advocate for policy change, and offer financial assistance to those in need of abortion care.
The Path Forward
Despite the barriers, we can create a better future for pregnant people by advocating for policies that prioritize their health and autonomy. This includes:
- Raising Awareness: Educate others about the real-life consequences of abortion bans and the importance of reproductive rights.
- Supporting Advocacy Organizations: Whether through donations, volunteering, or amplifying their messages, supporting groups like Planned Parenthood and the ACLU is a powerful way to contribute to change.
- Demanding Accountability: Call on state and federal agencies to collect and analyze data on maternal health outcomes linked to abortion restrictions.
Change starts with collective action. By coming together to support those on the front lines of this fight, we can push back against policies that endanger pregnant people and work toward a future where everyone has access to safe, equitable healthcare. Let’s turn our compassion into action and ensure that no one is left without the care they need.
For more stories of resiliency, read my blog.