GEIA Statement on the Overturning of Roe v Wade

Today was a sad day for women and people everywhere due to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade. This is an assault on bodily autonomy which will have negative long term consequences for women, girls, and all people with a uterus, not only in the U.S. but internationally. By reversing Roe V. Wade, the U.S. is signaling to the rest of the world that women’s rights, and indeed, the bodily rights of all people, can be rolled back with impunity. Justice Thomas has already stated that the Supreme Court should reconsider laws on the right to contraception, same sex relationships, and same sex marriages. The repercussions of these will be monumental, particularly for the security of women and LGBTQIA+ people. This ruling makes the U.S. a global outlier as more countries have been expanding laws on abortion in recent years rather than rolling them back. I am sure, like me, many of you feel angry, depressed, or numb, and while it is important to grieve this loss we must also stand up to this attack on our rights. Let’s pull together and take whatever action we can, by voting in the midterm elections, supporting NGOs working for women’s rights, signing petitions, participating in protests, and by never giving up!

Dr. Shirley Graham, Director, Gender Equality Initiative in International Affairs