Forty years ago today, the Supreme Court decided to legalize abortion which was a life changing (and saving) win for women’s health. Despite the ongoing attacks on women’s reproductive rights and health care access, abortion is still legal and available, though it is more difficult in some states than others. Even though it is technically legal across the country, economic status is a huge barrier to access with poor women facing greater obstacles to obtaining abortions and other vital health care services. Thus, we still must continue to raise our voices and ensure these rights are not taken away.

Although there has been bevy of media coverage about the importance of reproductive rights today, sadly there is not always this much attention paid to women’s lives every day in the media. From my experience when abortion and reproductive health are talked about in mainstream spaces, the focus is on legislation and restrictions which can eliminate the real stories and experiences of women.  I want to highlight some of the important personal stories and commentary to show how reproductive health and justice directly affects all of our our lives.

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