What You Need to Know About Today's SCOTUS Ruling on Abortion

When I opened my phone this morning, my feeds were loaded with feminists cheering that the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled against a measure that would have resulted in the closure of most of the abortion clinics in Texas.

But this doesn’t *only* matter if you’re in Texas. Because of the 5-3 ruling, SCOTUS has now set a precedent that could deter the rest of the states from creating “clinic shutdown” laws of their own, meaning an important step has been taken toward reproductive justice in the U.S.

There’s a lot to know about the ruling, so we’ve compiled a list of the basics to help you gain your footing regarding the issue. Whether you’re pro-choice or not, everyone should be aware of what goes down in our country, especially given the current political climate.

• The case is known as Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, and you can read all about it for free by clicking that link!

• The law in question was the House Bill 2 (created largely by Republicans), and specifically required abortion providers to have admitting privileges at area hospitals and other extremely expensive measures.

• Most abortion clinics don’t have these abilities and don’t take these measures because it isn’t viewed as necessary or relevant.

• So, if this case had ruled differently, many clinics in Texas would have been forced to shut down.

• As a result of 1973’s Roe v. Wade, the right to abortion is protected under the constitution.

• 1992’s Planned Parenthood v. Casey case said that states could impose restrictions on reproductive rights as long as they didn't impose an "undue burden."

• Those who backed the law said that it was to protect women’s health, not harm it.

• Many said that this law would do nothing but harm access to reproductive rights.

• Because it would place an undue burden, as made illegal by Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Texas law was ruled unconstitutional.

Many took to Twitter using #StopTheSham to call out the sham of politicians pushing a law that limits reproductive freedom under the guise of concern for women’s health. It really showed just how marginalized folks unite and come together on social media to make our voices heard.

Following the ruling, President Barack Obama took to Twitter himself.

Lambda Legal, the nation's oldest and largest legal organization working for the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV/AIDS, spoke out as well against the removal of human rights from marginalized groups.

All in all, it was a party for everyone who seeks reproductive justice for all.

As exciting as this is, it's important to remember that this isn't the first law to attempt to completely stifle access to abortion and reproductive justice, so we have to pay attention and be sure to fight for our bodily autonomy! Though the face of politics is shifting, it's a slow, slow process, and we're unlikely to be equally represented any time soon.

If your voice isn't being heard, don't give up. Pay attention to politics, as much as it sucks and as disheartening as it can be, because it matters, and it impacts every part of our lives. We've got to stick together to shape the world we want to live in.