Supreme Court Rules Texas Abortion Law Unconstitutional And Why it Matters for Women of Color

by Isha

On June 27, 2016, The Supreme Court of the United States proved its solidarity towards women’s reproductive rights as it ruled 5-to-3 against abortion clinic restrictions in Texas. This victory came as a huge milestone for the female sex, especially after the U.S. justice system’s failure to adequately respond in the sexual assault case of Brock Turner.

What is being called as “the most sweeping statement on abortion rights” since the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey case, is especially a huge blessing for women of color—those who were earlier restricted to proper health care due to language and financial barriers. Texas is the second largest state in the United States, and approximately three percent of the Texan population is Asian. 

[Read Related: An Open Letter to Stanford University Rapist, Brock Turner]

Women of color, financially unstable women, and immigrant women will have a better chance at receiving the proper health care and medical attention needed, without having to be answerable to the anti-abortion laws that were supposedly for their “well-being.” 

When rulings as significant as these are announced, it enforces the faith the public has in the U.S. justice system, and how the system truly stands for the betterment of all members of society. 

When women of color are given control of their reproductive rights, it establishes a positive change in attitude and mindset. In many ways, it also lessens the stigma and shame women face after having an abortion. 

When women of color travel thousands of miles across borders to live a life of freedom in the U.S., rulings such as these make that life a tangible possibility. 

When women are given the ability to make sole decisions about their bodies and the future of their lives, men follow suit and give their significant others the independence they deserve.

The fight for justifiable and fair reproductive rights is nowhere near the finish line. The SCOTUS decision to deem the anti-abortion laws “unconstitutional” is already facing much backlash from politicians and various local and national groups. The fight against anti-abortion laws is deeply wedged in politics. There are a plethora of people, whether of color, immigrant status, or residents of the United States, that believe the SCOTUS decision was unfavorable in nature.

When society truly understands the importance of giving women having a say in their own reproductive system, the fight against anti–abortion laws and sentiments will see victory. 

Isha is a sharp-tongued, big-eyed, Indian-American woman with dreams larger than life itself. She enjoys writing, learning about animal rescue stories, and aims to pursue a career in defense law to help the underprivileged and fight for those who can’t help themselves. Her dog Simba is her lifetime companion.