In 1969, Norma McCorvey, known by the legal pseudonym “Jane Roe”, became pregnant with her third child. McCorvey wanted an abortion but lived in Texas, where abortions were illegal unless it was necessary to save the mother’s life. In its landmark decision of 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the United States Constitution protects a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. 

Justice Samuel Alito’s leaked draft of May 2 indicates that the court is in favor of overturning Roe vs. Wade. It would be the most impactful decision on women’s access to abortion in 50 years. It may also impact other aspects of their lives, for example, birth control and the right to have gender alterations.

If the ruling is overturned, every state will be affected differently. Oklahoma just passed the strictest abortion law in the US, while California is trying to protect a woman’s right to choose. Senior Marina Leigh takes a strong stance on this issue. 

 “I think that there is a chance that they won’t overturn it if they play their cards right, but I don’t think that they will play their cards right,” Leigh said.

California, a blue state, has traditionally favored a woman’s right to abortion. Therefore, California plans to be a sanctuary if Roe vs. Wade is overturned. Governor Gavin Newsom proposed to use state funds to pay for travel costs for anyone out of state seeking an abortion.

“California will not stand idly by as extremists roll back our basic constitutional rights; we’re going to fight like hell, making sure that all women – not just those in California – know that this state continues to recognize and protect their fundamental rights,” Newsom said.

Many believe that people with uteruses have the right to privacy and the right to make their own choices when it comes to their bodies. Senior Sage Ryan attended a protest regarding women’s rights at the Carlsbad Village on Saturday, May 21. 

“It is definitely important that everybody has the right to privacy, and if women want abortions they should be able to have them without the government telling them what to do with their own body,” Ryan said. 

Privacy is a major factor especially when it has to do with your own body. California decriminalized abortion in 1967 when lawmakers passed the Therapeutic Abortion Act, which was signed into law by former governor, Ronald Reagan. It is expected that the Supreme Court will make its final decision in June of 2022.  

“I feel like our society will be set back,” Ryan said. “We decided this 50 years ago that everybody has the freedom of privacy and choice. For that to be overturned begs the question of what other things will be overturned in the future. If women don’t get protections [like] safe abortions, how does that affect women in general, including trans, gays [and any other members of the LGBTQIA+]? What rights are going to be violated next?”