Your Turn: How can women celebrate their independence in light of Dobbs decision?
The Your Turn opinions are those of the writers and not necessarily those of The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board.
As the country celebrates Fourth of July, one truth is clear: The freedom of girls and women is being denied and threatened across our country, including right here in our home state of Florida.
One year ago, the extreme U.S. Supreme Court obliterated Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, undoing 50 years of law that established a woman's right to have an abortion without undue restrictions or interference from the government. Roe underscored a value held closely by an overwhelming number of Americans: that women, not politicians, should have the right to decide whether and when to start or grow a family.
More: Tallahassee Tally: How Palm Beach County lawmakers voted on key bills. Today: Abortion.
Dobbs marked the first time in our nation’s history that the Supreme Court took away a fundamental right from the American people. The case set off an avalanche of abortion bans and severe abortion restrictions in states with Republican-controlled state legislatures. Now, doctors who provide health care to women are being threatened with heavy fines or prison time, often interfering with their ability to save a patient’s life or protect their health. The result is women are facing unbearable injuries and forced pregnancies.
Abortion care is now inaccessible in 14 states and heavily restricted in many others—with 1-in-3 women and over one-fifth of the American public now living in areas without abortion access. This is also overburdening the health care system in states that permit access.
Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a six-week abortion ban that is awaiting a decision from the Florida Supreme Court. If it goes into effect, the entire South of the United States will be walled off from access to legal abortion. Those who need abortions would be forced to travel hundreds of miles to obtain them, that is, if they’re able to find an appointment and can afford the trip. This would unjustly impact under-resourced women and women of color.
Here in Florida, advocates have launched an effort to secure a state constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot that would enshrine abortion rights here in our state. Check with your local Planned Parenthood or with the ACLU of Florida to learn more.
In Congress, I am sponsoring the Women's Health Protection Act. This federal legislation creates a new legal protection for the right to provide and access abortion care, free from medically unnecessary restrictions and bans. Turning his back on public sentiment, the Republican Speaker is blocking the bill from consideration. With like-minded colleagues I will keep up the fight to get this legislation passed.
So, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, let’s keep in mind that our red, white, and blue flag flies for all, not just a privileged few. When women are in control of their own fertility choices, this allows them greater labor force participation, investment in education, social interaction, and care for their own families. They are empowered to reach for their hopes and dreams without cruel restraints by a government that is ignorant of the circumstances of their lives.
Lois Frankel is a Democrat representing Florida's 22nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Repeal of Roe v. Wade removes true independence for women in America
