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The Battle Continues After All These Years

© Alyssa Skye

For countless years, the battle for women's rights have waged on throughout the world. Women, and many enlightened men, have struggled to bring about equality for both genders, whether in the realm of women's voting rights, equal pay for equal work, or women's sexual and reproductive rights.

In 1973, with the advent of Roe v. Wade and the legalization of abortion, a huge step was taken allowing women control over their own bodies and reproductive rights. While the historical Supreme Court decision didn't condone "abortion on demand" (meaning a woman can't have an abortion after the fetus is considered viable or able to live on its own), it does allow women the very important right to choose and provides a balance between that choice and a state's interest in protecting the fetus.

As a result of the judiciary ruling and ensuing law, the maternal mortality rate dropped nationwide the year after the decision. For example, in New York state alone, the rate dropped by forty-five percent. No longer would over five thousand women die annually from botched, back-alley abortions.

Furthermore, the outcome of Roe v. Wade demonstrated the Supreme Court's response to popular sentiment pervading the country at the time. This included the country's examination of changing gender roles and a new outlook regarding the sexuality of both men and women.

The establishment of Roe v. Wade and the resulting control given to women over their reproductive rights didn't end the battles, however. With the rise of conservatism which is currently facing the United States, the Supreme Court has allowed states to limit access to abortions. For example, states can and do deny public funds for poor women to have abortions, parental consent requirements have been set in place, and mandatory delays before receiving an abortion have become law in some states.

With a look at the statistics nationwide, it seems that women now have fewer reproductive rights than before the monumental court decision in 1973. For instance, approximately 86% of counties have no identifiable abortion providers. Only twelve percent of medical schools teach first trimester abortion procedures. For the ever decreasing number of abortion providers currently in the United States, they constantly find themselves in a battle for their lives as they are placed on hit lists, have their clinics burned, and their lives threatened (ironically, by those same people who proclaim to be pro-life).

With the country's transition to a new administration headed by an anti-choice President and surrounded by Cabinet members who have repeatedly voted against women's rights (not to mention civil rights and gay/lesbian rights), the result could be disastrous for women. Especially if the president is able to replace just two of the Supreme Court justices within the next four years. His choices could turn the vote on Roe v. Wade, thus eliminating a woman's choice. (For more information on the views and legislative histories of President Bush, John Ashcroft, and Tommy Thompson, visit either http://www.naral.org/ or http://www.choice.org/roevwade/roe.reaso... )