Letter from the Editor

Ariela Shahvar

I’m sure we’ve all heard of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States, and the catastrophic effect this has on womxn’s rights (note that I am using the term ‘womxn’ to practice inclusive language when talking about menstruators, those affected by the ruling). Roe v. Wade was a momentous achievement for womxn’s rights which claimed that the right to an abortion was constitutionally protected and, thus, granted us autonomy over our bodies and reproductive decisions.

However, the overturning of Roe v. Wade gave the power back to the individual states, allowing them to pass bans and restrictions on abortions, even if the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest in some states. These bans also mean that doctors can face serious jail time for performing abortions or that individuals who travel to a pro-choice state to receive an abortion can be charged upon their return. Currently, half of the states in the U.S. will or are expected to pass abortion bans, seriously affecting millions of womxn and youth across the United States. Studies have shown that abortion bans do not stop abortions from occurring; they only eliminate safe abortions and force womxn to turn to possibly life-threatening abortion methods.

There is no doubt that this is a public health and human rights crisis, and, ironically, it's happening in a country that prides itself on freedom. There is no freedom in reducing individuals to their reproductive abilities and these bans will have long-term political and socio-economic effects on all menstruators. The separation of church and state was, arguably, one of the most important progressive acts in Western history. Still, for many of the republicans and supreme justices who believe that life starts at conception, they are blurring that line between church and state, forcing us to regress to a time when women were treated like objects and other menstruators were neither included nor acknowledged. This shocking retraction of human rights also has many Canadians worried about their reproductive rights and freedoms.

There are currently no criminal restrictions against abortions in Canada, meaning it is not unlawful for menstruators to seek abortions throughout the country. However, access to abortions is not a constitutional right under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, meaning that with an increase in the number of conservative members on the Canadian Supreme Court, they would be able to pass similar bans on abortions. So what can we do to help menstruators in the U.S and prevent Canada from following?

An easy, immediate action would be to donate to abortion funds that help menstruators access the care they need. Also, VOTE and reach out to your local MPs! This is the best thing you can do because we need to elect individuals who are firmly pro-choice and are outspoken about their stance on basic human rights. Lastly, raise awareness: use your social media platforms, have tough discussions with friends and family, and/or volunteer at abortion clinics. Spread the word in any way, shape or form. Make sure you inform those around you of the dangers of abortion bans, share your stories and support one another. In the end, we are all responsible for protecting these human rights and the amount of support I have seen these past few months has been overwhelming. My wish is that we can restore the rights that those before us fought for nearly 50 years ago and ensure that future generations will never have to fight for their reproductive freedoms.