The steadfast race for female reproductive rights has been a monotonous and frustrating fight and is *arguably* getting more difficult due to the rippling effect of our local and federal officials. While it is unfair to say that we haven’t gained some progress in gender equality (I mean, we came from practically nothing), we mustn’t ignore the actions that institutions are actively taking to revoke that progress. The fact that we have had these rights established but also taken away shows that we truly don’t have equal rights but, rather, that our bodies are subject to the political establishments that don’t see the harmful effects.
With the passing of feminist legend and Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, women across the United States are fearful of what consequences will come of these changes. This is a threat not just on the federal level, but also the state. The relatively recent appointment of Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh, was foreboding to women across the nation for many reasons (sexual assault allegations, replacing a swing-voting justice, policy to roll back on female reproductive rights, etc.). This event set a federal precedent of how the prominent leaders of our country viewed women’s rights, and eventually urged state legislatures to react. While New York was rather proactive with their progressive abortion law, several other states addressed the question of women’s rights in combative way.
One example is the aggressive restrictions on family planning services. States like Nebraska, Tennessee, and Missouri hit with full force on women’s rights. Being a Missourian myself, I saw these claims to “ban abortions” and “outlaw birth control” all around me. These hopes and wishes of Missouri officials almost saw the light of day when Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) didn’t plan to renew Planned Parenthood’s license. Thankfully, MDHSS’s claims of “serious and extensive” problems with Planned Parenthood were ruled to be wrongfully accused, and Planned Parenthood got their license renewed through May 2021.
While this was a great victory, it now creates a looming fear of what women’s rights could become in Missouri. By May 2021, a new presidential term will commence with new officials. Not to mention, Missouri could have a new slate of officials. This is crucial to the future of women’s rights. With that being said, here are a few things you may want to consider before the New Year, and possibly before November 3rd.
-
If you have had any interest in getting a form of birth control (for any reason) talk to your OB/GYN about it now, especially if it is a form of IUD. PLEASE do your own research on this as well. Some birth control is not good for certain people!
-
Get in contact with your local Planned Parenthood. Stay updated on their status and what resources they offer.
-
Check out Plan B options. They have a shelf-life of 4 years. Planned Parenthood provides this free for people 18+!
-
Research your representatives and get in contact with them expressing your concern. They are *supposed* to be here for their people.
-
Study up and spread the word.
On a closing note, go listen to some Gwen Stefani and tell your OB/GYN you love them. This is your future!