In overturning Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court has significantly limited the civil rights of American women. By ruling that the right to privacy no longer protects a woman’s right to choose an abortion, the U.S. Supreme Court has turned away from a precedent that has stood for nearly 50 years.
Women have relied heavily on the constitutional guarantee of the ability to decide whether to have an abortion when exercising autonomy over their bodies, health, families and futures. The Court’s decision rolls back a hard-won constitutional right that affects women. It will likely have an even greater impact on people of color, low-income households, and those living in rural areas who currently have inequitable access to care.
The Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) was born out of the fight to establish rights for women in the face of institutional discrimination. GAWL is committed to its 95-year tradition of supporting equality and equal protection under the law. We will continue to support the interests of women, including having access to a full spectrum of health care services and to make decisions about their own care.
Valentia Alleyne, President
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers