The possible overturning of Roe V Wade: What does it mean for New Jersey

The possible overturning of Roe V Wade:  What does it mean for New Jersey

Marwa Shehata, Staff Reporter

On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of “Jane Roe,” meaning that women would have the fundamental right to choose either or not to have abortions. This decision would create one of the biggest divides in American history. Roe v. Wade has been the topic of major controversy in the last few years in the United States. In recent news, it has been brought to the public that Roe v. Wade is being overturned. So what does this mean?

 Many believe the court case was just about abortion rights, however, it was so much more than that. Roe v. Wade acts as a protective umbrella for womens personal privacy and reproductive rights. It protects decisions regarding the following: child rearing, marriage, procreation, and use of contraceptives, from government interference. Now that the supreme court has decided to vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, women will lose access to safe abortion and rights over their own body. Without Roe v. Wade, it might become very impossible to access contraceptives. This could not only cause more unwanted pregnancies, but also unsafe ones.  

The 14th amendment was made to expand protection and privacy rights for citizens of the United States. Originally Roe v. Wade fell under the 14th amendment, which gave women the right to choose what to do with their own body. The case is now being questioned and a leaked draft opinion is indicating that the majority will vote on the rolling back of Roe V Wade. Abortion will likely be banned in 26 states if overturned. Majorly democratic states are moving to protect abortion rights while republican states are looking to ban abortions. 

Roe v. Wade being overturned will not be official until the final opinion is made in about two months. Women all over the country are waiting for the decision that the supreme court, an almost totally male group, will make about their bodies. However, New Jersey is a progressive state meaning it seems as though abortion will be banned everywhere else, but here it will be protected. Anything could change at any given time so as we wait for this decision, think about how it will affect you.