The Fall of Roe v. Wade: Abortion & Reproductive Rights as Social Work

NASW New York State

6 - 7:30 pm ET

Millions of people across the country had their human rights revoked with the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24. This decision has caused anger, despair, and an outpouring of painful emotions. While this marks the first time that the Supreme Court has taken away a civil right, the United States has a history of denying human and civil rights and the battle for these rights, including bodily autonomy, predates the founding of this nation.

While we must provide space for people to process emotions in response to this decision, we are obligated to act. Right now, there are tens of thousands of pregnant women and birthing people who need immediate reproductive and abortion care. Those in already oppressed communities including people who face racism, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and people who live in poverty are most impacted by the fall of Roe v. Wade. The Code of Ethics demands that social workers engage in action to ensure the rights for all people as well as the self-determination of all people. Social workers must provide resources to and advocate for the rights of these communities with a renewed sense of urgency.

Eliminating the right to an abortion now puts other rights that are protected by the 14th Amendment at risk, such as marriage equality, the right to private sexual conduct, and the right to contraception. The court has signaled it will not stop at abortion and is a threat to the liberty of all marginalized communities including people who face racism, LGBTQ+, immigrants, religious minorities, and people with disabilities. With the fall of bodily autonomy for pregnant people, all of these rights and communities are now at higher risk.

As the continued fight for reproductive and abortion rights rages with a new intensity, we must remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants who went before us fighting for racial, gender, sexual orientation, religious, immigration, and ability rights. Active support of the Civil Rights Movement is a requirement of social work practice, and we are responsible for maintaining and advancing the work of the activists, social workers, and ancestors who came before us.

What actions are you taking?

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Tags: virtual webinar new york state

The Fall of Roe v. Wade: Abortion & Reproductive Rights as Social Work

NASW New York State

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