Challenges facing Black women in the wake of Dobbs

By Ivan Sanchez& In the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision, which effectively overturned Roe v. Wade, the reproductive rights landscape in the United States has shifted dramatically. A flurry of state-level initiatives aimed at either restricting or safeguarding abortion rights have emerged, reflecting the deeply polarized attitudes towards reproductive autonomy. Among the states making significant moves are Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and South Dakota.& Colorado will vote on a Right to Abortion Initiative. This measure seeks to embed in the state constitution a fundamental right to abortion and permit the use of public funds for abortion services, signaling a progressive stance in safeguarding reproductive freedoms. Florida Amendment 4 proposes to enshrine in the state constitution a woman’s right to abortion before fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks, or when necessary to protect the patient’s health as determined by their healthcare provider. This amendment aims to establish clear parameters for abortion access within the state. Maryland is considering the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment, which aims to amend the state constitution to affirm the right to reproductive freedom. This includes decisions related to preventing, continuing, or terminating pregnancies, reflecting a commitment to protecting individual autonomy...