Women Who Code - Empowering women to excel in tech careers

Throughout the last 50+ years, the conversation surrounding Roe v. Wade has continued to be highly relevant and critical. This pivotal 1973 Supreme Court ruling, which safeguarded a woman’s right to choose abortion, has been fundamental in advancing gender equality and reproductive rights in the United States, and instrumental in other countries women’s rights. Roe v. Wade transcended the mere legality of abortion; it was a recognition and validation of women’s ability to make informed, moral decisions about our bodies. It represented a significant step towards recognizing and respecting women’s autonomy and decision-making power.

However, the 2022 overturning sent shockwaves through the nation, leading to a patchwork of state laws, significantly influencing the ongoing struggle for freedom of choice and autonomy in reproductive health. The continued struggle for these rights extends beyond choosing a medical procedure; it’s fundamentally about the respect, recognition, and equality of all women.

The restriction of access to safe, legal abortion services disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, further deepening the existing disparities in the healthcare system including access and economic opportunities. A 2021 report highlights that in regions globally where data is available, only half of women, 55 percent, actually possess the autonomy to make decisions regarding their healthcare, contraceptive use, and sexual consent. True gender equality necessitates vigilance against discrimination, bias, and inequality in our communities, workplaces, and institutions. It involves proactively dismantling systemic obstacles hindering women from realizing their potential.

The recent midterm elections in the United States are a reminder that the battle for gender equity, reproductive rights, and women’s rights is a continuous effort that requires the willingness to engage in the democratic process. The movement for reproductive rights in key states continues to demonstrate the power and resilience of our collective voice in advocating for reproductive rights. One such victory includes Ohio, where voters approved a constitutional amendment safeguarding the right to choose, including abortion rights. In Virginia, though access to abortion wasn’t explicitly on the ballot, voters voted in favor of candidates seeking to protect access to abortion services. In Kentucky, voters rejected an anti-abortion proposal. The elections have shown that activism is far more than a choice; it is essential in the fight for our rights and freedoms.

Collective action and grassroots mobilization are vital to creating enduring change. By engaging in protests, backing advocacy groups, and being part of local initiatives, each of us holds the potential to drive meaningful change, and by keeping our elected officials accountable for their actions and policies, we can ensure that progress is not reversed. We can speak truth to power and ensure women are empowered globally to live with dignity and make choices about their bodies and lives.

Read Women Who Code’s official statement on the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022:

We Will Not Go Back: SCOTUS Decision on Roe v. Wade – Women Who Code

Learn more about the impact of US elections on reproductive rights:

View resources detailing the state of women’s rights locally and globally:

Follow organizations advocating for reproductive rights:

Reflecting on Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights