Roe v. Wade, state v. state
Protestor in many states rally to keep their rights to safe and accessible abortion. (Photo: Elizabeth Frantz via Reuters)
Lawmakers from anti-abortion states are exploring ways to ban abortion where it’s still legal. Last week, the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked.
Roe v. Wade is the case that legalized abortion in 1973. Overturning it could deprive millions access to safe abortions in as much as 26 states, according to the Guttmacher Institute. These 13 states are set to ban it immediately once Roe is overruled.
A leaked draft majority opinion by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito this week overruling the case can test relationships between states and Constitutional limits, according to legal experts.
In Missouri, they want to prevent women from travelling outside the state to get an abortion or abortion-inducing medication from a pro-abortion state. Another bill last year would punish providers in pro-abortion states if they performed on a Missouri resident. And even if you’re not from Missouri but had sex there in the past nine months, your unborn child would be bound by Missouri law too.
A separate proposal extends to people who helped them cross states to get a procedure. The Republicans of Missouri really said, “We’re looking at you, Illinois,” referring to a Planned Parenthood clinic just across the river.
Such laws violate the US Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause, which protects interstate commerce and travel from undue burden.
Elsewhere, Louisiana’s new bill aims to classify abortion as homicide and grant constitutional rights from the moment of fertilization.
Pro states protect their women
Pro-abortion states are taking a stand too.
Connecticut is aiming to shield abortion providers from lawsuits and prosecution for violating another state's abortion laws. Hundreds also gathered in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and other cities to rally for their rights on Saturday.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker vowed to protect reproductive rights. “Our shores remain open for any person left marooned by these extremist politicians,” he said.
What does this mean for the rest of the world?
The US and several European nations were among the first to legalize abortion in the 1970’s. Before and during the time those laws were passed, other countries had their share of tragedies with unsuspecting girls and unplanned pregnancies. Back in my Filipino Catholic schoolgirl days when abortion was painted as the Devil’s act, this was my version of that horror film.
Nowadays, abolishing abortion is not only scary for women’s fundamental rights but also the economy. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said eliminating access to it could keep some women from school and work and reduce their income and quality of life.
The US is one of the biggest political and social shapers in the world—but even that influence has been in decline in recent years. Though there is no telling how Roe’s overruling might affect abortion laws in other countries, its impact on the US economy could have more immediate and palpable effects around the world.
