January 22, 2003, marks the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the monumental Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal.
It was the first time the Supreme Court acknowledged the constitutional right to privacy "is broad enough to encompass a woman's decision whether to terminate her pregnancy," thereby making anti-abortion laws unconstitutional.
Roe v. Wade finally provided a means for women to have safe, healthy abortions. The fact is that throughout history, women have found ways to terminate pregnancies.
The manner by which they terminated these pregnancies could range from disturbing to horrific. Sketchy doctors in warehouses, wire coat hangers in dark alleys and unmonitored concoctions of pills, were the choices most women had before 1973.
According to the Planned Parenthood Web site, in the 20 years before Roe v. Wade it is estimated that nearly 1 million women per year sought out illegal abortions. This left thousands of women dead and hundreds permanently injured.
The ability to claim complete control over one's body is a basic right. Yet anti-abortionists continue to fight against legalized abortions. As we can see from the statistics from the years before Roe v. Wade, taking away the right to a legal abortion will not stop abortions, it will only injure and kill women.
But the battle carries on. And 30 years after Roe v. Wade, the fighting is still very bitter. Sometimes I find myself simply avoiding the discussion. It is not from a lack of passion or strength of belief in my views, but because everyone is so steadfast in their views that discussion seems futile.
Nevertheless, discussion, and more importantly action, is needed. It may seem hopeless to convince a friend that abortion should remain legal, so take that time to convince your senator.
The majority of Americans still support Roe v. Wade, but politicians need to be reminded of that fact. The continued legalization of abortion is not as secure as we might hope.
At this time, the Supreme Court stands 5-4 in support of reproductive rights. Of the five justices who make up the majority, three will be 70 years of age or older in 2003. It is the responsibility of the President to appoint a new justice, and the work of the Senate to confirm the decision.
We currently have an anti-choice President and an anti-choice majority in Senate. If only one justice were to step down, Roe v. Wade would be in danger.
We have a serious situation at hand, and it is our responsibility to fight for reproductive rights. Activism can be intimidating, however. You may strongly believe in choice, but not know how to begin. Fortunately, there are numerous organizations whose missions are to protect reproductive rights and are always encouraging of new voices.
National organizations such as Planned Parenthood, National Organization of Women, Feminist Majority and NARAL have Web sites with facts, suggestions for activism, information to join and more. Feminists for Action, a Ball State organization, is another means for becoming active in the fight to keep abortion legal.
Activism can also be as simple as logging onto a Web site such as Nevergoback.org or Million4roe.com and signing an electronic petition.
The point is that we must not stay silent in our belief to keep abortion legal. It is just as necessary to fight for it now as is was on January 22, 1973. Use a few spare minutes to find out more about these organizations and how you can support a right that is oftentimes so easily taken for granted.
Write to Linda at 00lsrabadi@bsu.edu
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