A 40-year anniversary, to be exact! As some of you may know, the decision for Roe v. Wade will celebrate its 40-year anniversary on Tuesday, January 22. Wait, but what is that? Who is Roe? What does a Wade do? Well, Roe v. Wade is actually a Supreme Court ruling recognizing a woman's right to choose and a woman's right to privacy. Although the ruling took place in 1973, it still affects us today!
Here are some facts about Roe v. Wade:
- "Roe" is actually an alias for a woman named Norma L. McCorvey
- "Wade," or Henry B. Wade, was the District Attorney representing the State of Texas.
- Roe filed a lawsuit against the State of Texas because she felt that the abortion laws in Texas were against her constitutional rights
- Three and a half years later, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Roe
- The court ruling made abortion legal in the United States
The Roe v. Wade ruling really became a key factor in a woman's right to choose. After this court case, women's rights movements really took off, and have led to things like better access to contraceptives (like LARCs and the pill!) and women and men's sexual health information.
Do you know YOUR rights? In California, we are lucky enough to have some of the most expansive abortion rights in the United States, thanks to the passing of Roe v. Wade. Californian women do not need consent from anyone to gt a legal abortion, and no one can make you have an abortion (even if you're under 18). The decision is all yours! Our laws are there to protect your rights as a woman.
Whether you are pro-life, pro-choice, or somewhere in between, there are a lot of ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy. The most reliable way to prevent pregnancy is by practicing abstinence or by using a form of birth control each and every time you have sex. And don't forget that condoms are the only way to prevent against STDs!