By Kimberly R. Nario
On Tuesday, March 26, I attended a rally on the steps of SCOTUS in support of reproductive freedom. That morning, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et all. Three key things to know about this case:
- This case threatens access to mifepristone.
- Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for over 20 years.
- Mifepristone is one of two medicines commonly used in medication abortion in the United States.
This case is yet another attempt at banning abortion. Something else that will make you grind your teeth tonight–the case was deliberately filed in a one-judge district, AND Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk just happens to have been appointed by none other than former (and hopefully never future) President Trump.
On that sunny Tuesday morning in Washington, D.C. I heard from advocates, elected officials, and community members sharing their stories. I also heard people at a counter-rally on the same steps. Standing almost directly between the two groups, I looked up at the Supreme Court Building. EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW, these words are carved into the western façade of the building above giant marble columns. Staring at these words, to my left, I could hear people talking about the safety of mifepristone and the need to keep abortion accessible. To my right, I could hear rumblings from people making blanket statements about how anyone going through pregnancy would feel and arguments that were not rooted in science. So yeah, I got angry.
I got angry this case was even happening. I got angry about complete strangers thinking they knew what was best for me, my body, and my family. I got angry thinking about the people in the black robes who would ultimately decide whether or not we do have equal justice under law. I got angry thinking about the disparities and inequities that banning mifepristone would surely magnify.
Black Maternal Health Week is just around the corner. While we wait for a verdict that will likely come sometime in June, let’s channel our anger into action:
- You can follow the Virginia Reproductive Equity Alliance (VREA) to learn about actions to take to support abortion access.
- On Monday, April 8, you can attend the virtual VREA Black Maternal Health Town Hall.
- From April 11-17, you can follow along with Birth In Color as they spotlight Black Maternal Health Week.