Abortion, Contraception, & Pregnancy Access & Care
Last month, the supreme court made the landmark decision to overturn Roe V. Wade. Passed in 1973, this supreme court case made it federal law for a person’s right to choose whether to have an abortion without excess government restrictions. Through this overturn, it is up to the states to decide whether or not to limit abortion access and even reproductive healthcare.
Several states, such as Texas and Oklahoma, have passed restrictions, some prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, even though most do not even know they are pregnant until after six weeks. This federal decision made by the supreme court has caused some of us to ask questions, such as Can I still access birth control and other contraceptives? Is Planned Parenthood (the most prominent and accessible to all abortion and reproductive healthcare providers in the country) still open? While answers are not easy and things are still up in the air, here is some information and resources that can hopefully answer your questions and, most importantly, bring peace to your mind during these challenging times.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ILLINOIS?
Illinois is one of nineteen states that codified abortion into state law, meaning abortion is still legal in Illinois. With Illinois being one of the only states where we can receive safe abortions, many people will be traveling here. Planned Parenthoods across the state have already reported a dramatic uptake in calls and appointments for people in other states where it is illegal, which is predicted to keep increasing.
CAN I STILL RECEIVE MY IUD AND OTHER FORMS OF BIRTH CONTROL?
Right now, you can still receive all forms of birth control and emergency contraceptives in all 50 states. Even though birth control does not directly fall under Roe V. Wade, future access to birth control and emergency contraceptives, especially the morning-after pill and IUD, can be threatened. Only two states have looked into putting restrictions on birth control, but as of now, you can obtain contraceptives in all 50 states.
WHAT CAN I DO?
The most important thing anyone can do is get involved and vote. Even though this ban was federally initiated, this event shows how important local politics are. Look into who is on your ballot, and vote for who best represents you and your ideals. Sign up to volunteer for their campaigns, donate to them, or even post about them on your social media and explain why you vote for them. You can also get involved by looking into local organizations and mutual aid funds and donating or volunteering. Don't be a passive bystander. Stand up for what you believe in and what is important to you.
WHAT ARE MY LOCAL RESOURCES?
Here is a list of different resources in the area and some across the state.
Planned Parenthood: Fairview Heights-317 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights IL, 62208. 618/277/6668
St. Louis- 3401 S. Grand Blvd, St. Louis MO, 63118. 800/230/7526
Contraceptive Centers: WashU Contraceptive Choice Center-4901 Forest Park Ave, FL 7, St. Louis MO, 63108. 314/747/0800