Reproductive health care access hangs in judicial balance

Thanks to reporting from Politico, many of us are now aware of the leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion that suggests that Roe v. Wade will be overturned this coming June. Such a decision would allow individual states to limit or ban abortion access entirely. AIDS United is aware that there are 26 states throughout the Midwest and South that would immediately or swiftly have bans take effect should this take place.  For those of you who have seen Justice Alito’s draft opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization and felt fear about what happens if Roe v Wade is overturned, we understand. Many of us on this team are right there with you. We are not sure why this unprecedented leak occurred, but it is not a done deal.  What we do know is that protecting abortion access will take an all-hands-on-deck approach from coalitions of advocates across the country. Because of this, the AIDS United Policy Department and our partners in the reproductive space are asking advocates to keep these items in mind when sharing information about abortion access in the United States. 

1. In many parts of the country, abortion is still legal. The news is a draft opinion that was leaked to the press. It is not a final decision of the court or even law as of today. Individual justices still have the ability to change their minds between now and when the final decision drops, which is expected to be June.
2. Even if the Court does overturn Roe this coming June, abortion will not instantly become illegal nationwide. There are 13 states that will immediately ban abortions and many others that will severely restrict access, but many states will maintain or expand access as well.
3. Now is the time to organize, share resources and share information. We must continue to center low-income and BIPOC youth, who already face barriers when it comes to abortion access and will continue to be most impacted as abortion access comes under continued pressure.

  There are a variety of ways for advocates to take action during this time. This can be through attending protests and rallies, signing petitions in support of abortion access — or it can be through donations to abortion funds in your area. Many advocates across the country are gathering to fight for abortion rights on May 14. For information about protests in your area, sign up for a Planned Parenthood ‘Bans Off’ event near you.  Another way you can support abortion access is through donations to abortion funds in your area. More cities are signing up to participate daily, but if you do not see your city participating, consider leading the initiative in your city. To find a local abortion fund in your area, we suggest visiting Abortion Funds in Every State. If you are looking to support to independent abortion clinics, we also suggest visiting Keep Our Clinics.  If you or a loved one need simple, up-to-date, and localized source of information for people seeking abortions, please visit I Need An A for more information.  AIDS United remains committed to supporting abortion rights and will continue to inform those living with and vulnerable to HIV of how we can all continue to fight for our rights.