The Supreme Court of the United States announced their ruling in Dobb, State Health Officer of the Mississippi Department of Health et al v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization et al today. The ruling overturned Roe v. Wade and nearly 50 years of precedent, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion, and stripping people of the right to control their own bodies.
Dr. Banyai states “The day we feared has come. Far right extremists have succeeded in stripping us of our rights.” She goes on, “Do not lose hope though. We must keep fighting – for our rights, for our children, and our democracy.”
The decision could lead 26 states to quickly move to ban abortion, leaving at least 36 million women of reproductive age, and other people who can become pregnant, without abortion access. The consequences of this devastating decision will fall largely on people who already face the greatest barriers to health care due to this country’s legacy of racism and discrimination, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and people living in rural areas. For now, abortion remains legal in most places, including Florida up to 15 weeks gestation.
Dr. Banyai continues, “I believe we all deserve human dignity, to live life on our own terms. This means deciding when and where to have a family. Failing to recognize abortion as health care and the value of body autonomy will put lives in danger.”
80% of Americans believe abortion should remain legal.
“The partisan corruption of the Supreme Court has eroded trust in our institutions. The Dobbs ruling is yet another blow to our democracy and to freedom.” Dr. Banyai said.
Dr. Banyai stands firmly in her support of reproductive freedom and women’s rights. She will be speaking this evening as part of the Bans Off Our Bodies Rally in Fort Myers outside of the Old Lee County Courthouse (2120 Main Street) from 6:00pm. Everyone who believes in freedom is invited to join.
Original source can be found here.
