Reclaiming Our Humanity: A Journey Back to Compassion

(WRRAP) – It's been three years since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, a ruling that dismantled the constitutional right to abortion, leading the nation into a public health crisis. Millions now find themselves stripped of bodily autonomy, forced to continue unintended pregnancies, denied essential miscarriage medications, and criminalized for seeking basic healthcare. This reality is not just about the loss of Roe; it reflects a broader erosion of rights. Currently, 19 states enforce strict abortion bans, while others have severely restricted access through targeted regulations and clinic closures. These restrictions extend beyond abortion, impacting birth control, emergency contraception, gender-affirming care, IVF, and medical privacy. Health providers face threats and burnout, leading many clinics, particularly Planned Parenthood and independent facilities, to halt abortion services. Organizations like ours, often led by women, queer individuals, and BIPOC communities, work tirelessly to assist patients, yet face funding shortages. Compounding this crisis, survivors of violence are forced to carry pregnancies, while minors navigate complex judicial permissions to terminate pregnancies. Amid this turmoil, it’s clear that those making these decisions are predominantly male politicians, lacking the lived experience to govern these personal issues, demonstrating a stark disregard for women’s health and autonomy.