We write this in early May, when the draft of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was first leaked to the public. Overturning Roe v. Wade will not ban abortion nationwide but will allow states to decide abortion laws, including whether to restrict or even ban abortion. At this point in time, 22 states have abortion bans that would quickly become law (including 10 states without exemptions for rape or incest). Many of these are in the South. This will widen the reproductive choice gap that affects minority and low-income patients. Wealthier patients seeking abortions will be able to afford flight and hotel costs to cross state lines, while banning abortions will create even more barriers for those of lower income. Although severe restrictions and draconian bans are being implemented by state legislatures and endorsed by conservative Governors, in recent polls, a majority of Americans oppose the reversal of the protections of Roe v. Wade.
Thirty years in HIV nursing has taught us the intersectionality of HIV and health outcomes with race, gender, sexual identity, economic status, and other social determinants of health. Although HIV has become a chronic manageable condition for many, this intersectionality based in inequalities still drives stigma and disparities. Women's reproductive rights and health are also at this intersection. It is poor women, women of color, and women in the South who will be most impacted by this decision. Sexual and reproductive health decisions are personal and should be made by fully informed women in safe and supportive, legal health care environments, regardless of their decision. We support the fundamental right of an individual woman's autonomy to make informed decisions around her life, heath, and body that include their choice about childbearing, contraception, pregnancy, and abortion.
Ending Roe v. Wade will not end abortions, but it will end legal and safe abortions for many. It will lead to more stunning examples of state-level legislation based in extreme politics that denies the will of the people. Harmful state legislation that threatens LGBTQ+ rights, families with transgender children, equal voting rights, or denies teaching the full American history in schools is being pushed through based in minority organized and vocal misinformation strategies across the country. Nurses can be powerful and respected voices in evidence-based education and advocacy, particularly at the local and state level. Regardless of your position or the action that you are most passionate about, nurses must be advocates of full and fair access to health information, and safe and quality health care based on human rights and social justice.
"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." Audre Lorde
Disclosures
The authors report no financial interests or potential conflicts of interest.