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How to Handle the Emotional Aftermath of Roe Being Overturned
We’ve known this was coming since early May, if not earlier. But it was still gut-wrenching to actually get the news on June 24 that the Supreme Court was officially overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that protected the constitutional right to abortion. According to the most recent Gallup poll, 85 percent of Americans think abortion should be legal in some or all circumstances — which makes the blatant disregard of public will all the more infuriating and, frankly, terrifying.
“It’s really clear that this court has failed,” Angela Cobián, director of coalition advocacy at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America says. “Specifically, it’s failed this country and delivered a victory to politicians who have been pushing to control our bodies and our decisions.”
To make matters even worse, in his concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas seemed to indicate that other rights founded on the “implied” right to privacy (which was partially established by Roe v. Wade) should also be reconsidered, including the right to same-sex marriage and contraception. “If folks aren’t particularly worried about this decision, know that this is just the first,” Lupe M. Rodríguez, executive director at the National Latina Institute For Reproductive Justice (also called the Latina Institute), says. “This is a very, very dire moment in this country.”
This ruling is proof positive that our basic rights aren’t guaranteed and that fighting for them is more important than ever. But the experts we spoke to — all people active in the fight for reproductive justice — agree that it’s also essential to carve out space to take care of ourselves, considering the road forward will be long and difficult. We asked them about how to best deal with the anxiety, fear, anger, frustration, and helplessness so many of us are feeling right now in order to avoid burnout later on and better enable us to fight for our rights.
Protest, Volunteer, and Vote
Actually channeling your anger into action can be one way to cope with the emotions that set in after the ruling. Safely attending protests and rallies, in particular, is a way to both make a difference and express your outrage while connecting with others who feel the same way. Rodríguez describes it as cathartic. “Going to local rallies and yelling is something that I’ll be engaging in and is a part of letting out these frustrations,” she tells POPSUGAR. Check local news sources to find the closest protest to you, or find a Planned Parenthood-organized rally on BansOff.org.
If you can’t attend a rally, you can also volunteer at or donate to an abortion fund, which helps people access abortions (often by aiding with the cost of care or travel). Also important: voting and reaching out to your representatives. Yes, many of us are feeling disillusioned with the government right now, but with abortion now in the hands of state governments, it’s crucial to contact your local and state officials and push them to fight for this fundamental right. If these actions feel more frustrating than hopeful at the moment, consider leaning on your community. Ask friends or loved ones to accompany you to your voting center, or invite them over to look up, call, and write to your representatives together. Connecting with your like-minded loved ones is key right now.