Georgia Advocates Vow to Continue Fighting for Reproductive Justice

In a partisan 6-3 decision, the United States Supreme Court today overruled the nearly 50 year precedent established in 1973 by Roe v. Wade that granted a constitutional right to abortion in the state. Know that at this moment that abortion is still legal and accessible in Georgia. Responding to the decision, reproductive justice advocates who sit at the ProGeorgia State Table are appalled, but not surprised, that the court issued this ruling. “This decision is an outright affront to a person’s right to choose and has far reaching consequences even beyond the right to an abortion,” said Michelle Wilson, Chief Operations Officer for Women Engaged and Chair of the Reproductive Justice Workgroup.

“ This will negatively impact the communities  we serve such as, Black people and people of color, queer folks, disable folks, working class people, and much more who seek abortion care and other services at clinics.” 

-Michelle Wilson, Chief Operations Officer for Women Engaged and Chair of the Reproductive Justice Workgroup

The disparity is access to care will fall disproportionately on the shoulders of people of color, low-income communities, queer people, and those us who live in states where abortions may be banned. “Overturning Roe v. Wade, does nothing but further restrict access to care. In Georgia we have counties that do not have an OBGYN or a doctor in the immediate area. We are currently leading the nation in maternal deaths, as over thirteen hospitals have closed around the state. “What Georgians need now are for elected leaders to support and affirm reproductive freedom and justice” said Shanda Neal. Georgia Associate State Director for 9to5 Georgia.

Understanding that these issues will now move to the purview of the states, the RJ workgroup is committed to strategies to prevent the enactment of HB481 (six week abortion ban) and any laws that may be introduced in Georgia’s legislative session. “If there’s one thing we can know for sure, it’s that this decision will open the door to a wave a new state-based actions to fundamentally change the national and local landscape for abortion and reproductive healthcare,” said Wilson. “As organizers, we understand that our voting rights are connected to our reproductive rights. In the aftermath of this decision, we need to use this as a point if activation to get involved and vote with reproductive justice in mind. This decision comes with little surprise, and we stand ready to make our voices heard on this issue.”

About ProGeorgia’s Reproductive Justice Workgroup

The Reproductive Justice Workgroup is comprised of the following organizations: Women Engaged, Feminist Women’s Health Center, SPARK for Reproductive Justice Now!, 9to5 Natl Association for Working Women (Georgia), Amplify Georgia Collaborative, Georgia Equality, 1000 Women Strong, Georgia WAND, Georgia Alliance for Social Justice, Black Voters Matter.

The Reproductive Justice Workgroup is comprised of reproductive justice advocates and allies. Any contributions made on this site will directly benefit Reporductive justice organizations.