What if Roe v Wade is Overturned?

For the last 45 years, the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Roe vs. Wade has effectively made abortion legal in the United States. However, if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, the legal status of abortion would be drastically altered, with the effects being felt by women across the country.

The Immediate Effects of Roe v Wade Being Overturned

The very first thing that would happen if Roe v. Wade were overturned is that abortion would immediately become illegal in a number of states. Currently, approximately 27 states have laws which are triggered in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned. These laws were originally passed to prevent abortions from being performed in those states if Roe were overturned, and would come into effect almost immediately. In states that do not have any laws which would negate Roe v. Wade’s ruling, the decision to make abortions illegal or not would be left up to each individual state.

In addition to the immediate legal changes, the overturning of Roe would have an effect on a number of cultural and social issues. Anti-abortion activists would likely see the overturning of Roe as a victory for their cause, and would likely embark on an aggressive campaign to further push their agenda. Conversely, those who support the right to choose would undoubtedly be just as vocal in their opposition. Ultimately, the decision to reverse Roe would create a deep social divide in the United States.

The Long-Term Impact of Roe v Wade Being Overturned

The overturning of Roe v. Wade would have far-reaching implications for women’s health and rights in the United States. One immediate impact would be the change in access to health services. Women who want to seek medical care regarding their reproductive health would find that access to abortions is often limited, since the procedure is illegal in many states. This would likely lead to more unsafe and unregulated back-alley abortions, which had the potential to create dangerous health risks for those undergoing them.

Furthermore, the overturning of Roe v. Wade would greatly complicate the legal and ethical considerations surrounding pregnancy, since women could potentially be charged with a crime for having an abortion. This could have the effect of discouraging many women from seeking early medical attention, which runs contrary to the goal of achieving reproductive justice for women.

In addition, changes to abortion access and restrictions have the potential to drastically affect low-income and economically vulnerable women, who may face severe constraints in accessing services. With Roe v. Wade overturned, many of these women would find it significantly harder to access healthcare and financial assistance, which could lead to severe health and economic hardship for them and their families.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the overturning of Roe v. Wade would have a deep, long-term impact on the lives of women in the United States. For many, reversing Roe would mean an end to the legal right to choose, as well as an increase in the difficulty of accessing safe, affordable healthcare services. Furthermore, changes to abortion access could have a disproportionate effect on low-income and economically vulnerable communities, further impoverishing them and limiting their prospects. The consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade are thus clear and far-reaching; if the landmark ruling were to be reversed, the effects could reverberate through society for years to come.