The recently leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court majority opinion shocked many, but it has been no surprise that abortion rights have been disappearing quickly in some states for months now.  That’s the reality since last September, when Texas banned abortions after six weeks – before many people even know they are pregnant.  A majority of justices on the Court are opposed to the Roe V. Wade decision that gave Americans the right for the last 49 years.  The cases challenging the fundamental right to abortion have been lined up.  It was just a matter of time, and the time has come.

The month after Texas banned abortions, the Guttmacher Institute predicted that 26 states will have bans after Roe v. Wade falls, affecting 58% of the U.S. population that is capable of getting pregnant and resulting in an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 unwanted births per year.  (There are between 600,000 and 900,000 abortions per year in the U.S.)  Those who don’t have the means to travel long distances – and to pay the costs – will be most impacted.

The question is no longer can we save Roe, but where do we go from here?  Before Roe legalized abortion nationwide, the danger was unsafe, “back alley” abortions that cost thousands of women their lives. Now, post-Roe, the biggest danger is the criminalization of patients, providers, and anyone who “aids or abets.” 

The majority of abortions today are safe medication abortions, which can often be done at home.  The medication is available by mail and requires a prescription in the U.S. (but is available over the counter in 98 other countries).  This technology makes self-managed abortion (SMA) a possibility for the majority of cases – but not all.  In 2020, almost 10,000 patients from out of state traveled to Illinois for abortions.  The number has been increasing each year.  Some clinics in Illinois soon may see patient volumes double or triple.

So, what can you do?  Abortion funds always need donations to help those who can’t afford the expenses.  Clinics will need volunteers.  Spread the word about medication abortion and SMA – it does no good if someone in need doesn’t know about it.  Speak out for rights.  And get out the vote in November.  The Reproductive Justice Team here at UUCUC is networking with faith communities and organizations in Illinois and across the country to help keep reproductive healthcare available to those in need.  See our web page here.  http://uucuc.org/justice/reproductive-justice-team/