The news that the Supreme Court had published a ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision that once protected a person's right to choose reproductive health care without excessive government restriction, was not a surprise.
That doesn't mean the development hasn't shocked and angered citizens nationwide. Activists have already taken to the streets in protest. But what can the average American do in response, especially at a time when confidence in the Supreme Court and our democratic institutions is so low?
We heard some recommendations after Redditor johnnybeefcakes asked the online community,
"What can the average American do in response to Roe v. Wade being overturned?"
"Consider: The day Iceland's women went on strike https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34602822"
seolchan29
Yup. A general strike is best led by the existing unions. If you're in one, talk to your leadership. If you're not, spread the word and follow their lead.
"A general strike..."
"Voting is pissing into the wind the way our government is structured. It's not completely ineffective, but how many women will we allow to suffer and die between now and however many voting cycles this takes?"
"A general strike that grinds this country to a halt will have abortion rights enshrined in the Constitution within two weeks, and I'll tell you why.
"Paralyze the economy, shut this country down, fill the streets and REFUSE TO BACK DOWN and this will be resolved in no time."
whattothewhonow
This is exactly it. Corporations are the gods our politicians look up to. We need to hit them where it actually hurts.
"Adding this..."
"Adding this as a top level comment as well. CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES. All these posts saying "vote"? Yes, you need to vote- but your representatives need to hear from you *now and often* about what is important to you. Tell them what you want, and why you are voting. That is what "remain engaged" looks like."
me2x
This is how the gun legislation just got passed. There was a huge coordinated push of people contacting their representatives. Even Republicans were getting consituent calls at a ratio of 10:1 in favor of reasonable measures- so they felt confident in voting for a bill with the support of their voters.
"The 18-24 adult voting group votes way less than any other age group. It would make a solid difference if that wasn’t the case."
akap21
This is the first year many young people will be able to vote. It pays to keep them motivated, now and into 2024 and beyond.
"Help young women and young men obtain birth control. Pass out condoms. Be willing to buy Plan B. Educate. Educate. Educate. Don’t shame. Meet people where they are."
dualsplit
We need more secular public squares that don’t just exist on the internet.
"If you’re in Michigan (or other states where pro-choice folks are fighting to get it on the ballot), figure out where they’re collecting signatures for the petition to get it on the ballot in November, sign, and volunteer to help find more people to sign the petition." - User Deleted
And here’s a link!
"The state Democratic Party..."
"This is a little bit of a long one, but the story is important."
"In 2011 in Virginia, Republicans swept statewide elections. They had the governor, lieutenant governor, both houses of the legislature, and they had appointed the majority of justices on the state Supreme Court."
"They immediately began trying to ban abortion. House Bill 1 was a fetal personhood bill and there were about a dozen more ugly ones too. These bills were expected to sail through with no real hurdles."
"A grassroots movement sprung up, a core group of people who had met and networked during the Occupy protests began planning protest actions. They were able to attract support from people who were not your typical protest crowds, and throughout the actions a lot of suburban, older women drove into Richmond to participate."
"Over several protests about 2 dozen people were arrested (and later acquitted), protests were confronted by riot police as well as 'little green men' hiding in the bushes with assault rifles. However the protests largely remained peaceful."
"The state Democratic party and organizations like Planned Parenthood and NARAL were literally calling the organizers and begging them to stop antagonizing the Republicans, but the organizers remained steadfast."
"In the end, we won. Most of the bad bills were defeated, and Republicans proceeded to lose every statewide election for the next ten years. They ultimately lost both houses of the legislature as well, for the first time since the 90s. Bob Marshall, who authored HB1, was defeated by Virginia's first openly transgender legislator, Danica Roem."
"So ultimately, here is what I would say to remember. The protests are important. What's more important is the networks that form at them. When you attend, try to meet people. Have potlucks. Get to know each other. You will come to rely on each other more than you think."
"Voting is important too, but only showing up to vote every 2 or 4 years and posting angry memes in between is not going to save us. Our institutions have repeatedly failed us despite more people voting in every election. We will be the ones to save ourselves."
Diet_Coke
Yes, 1000000 percent this. Labor, abortion, everything needs to be well organized and unrelenting. None of this will be handed to you, it needs to be fought for.
"Stock up on pregnancy tests, plan B, and birth control. I've already noticed a shortage of pregnancy tests in the last week. Be an advocate and an educator for any woman you know that may need help."
whattheplfuke
Being an advocate for others is so crucial! They need our help and our kindness.
"Vote in your local elections and force abortion rights to be election issues. R v W says that abortion rights is now up to the state government, so vote accordingly and let them know how they can get your votes."
ClownfishSoup
To add to this, vote even if you live in a state that will not ban abortion. It should be clear to everyone now that we take our rights for granted because it could be taken away one day. So vote, no matter what.
Much to do in the coming days, months, and years.
The 2022 midterm elections are coming up in a few months and only time will tell whether the Supreme Court's ruling will negatively impact certain politicians at the polls.
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below!
