Reclaiming Roe

Dusti Gurule

On January 22^nd we marked the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that affirmed the right to abortion. What is clear is that the right is being denied to people who are pushed to the margins. Like other systemic barriers to health care, restrictions on abortion fall hardest on women of color, low-income people, young people, and immigrant women.

We need to ensure that whether someone chooses adoption, seeks abortion, or needs to end of pregnancy that they can get affordable and compassionate care in their community.

A recent study found that more than 70 percent of Latino voters believe we should not judge someone who feels they’re not ready to be a parent. Unfortunately, this same feeling is not reflected in the actions of many lawmakers. Colorado withholds benefits for abortion care for people who use Medicaid, denies health coverage for public employees and forces young people who need an abortion to notify a parent.

As if this were not troubling enough, every year we face a slew of insulting and insidious attacks on access to services. This year is no different. We have already seen numerous bills designed to make care harder to get and more difficult to provide. It is not enough to just defeat the myriad of attempts to push care out of reach. We need to ensure that whether someone chooses adoption, seeks abortion, or needs to end of pregnancy that they can get affordable and compassionate care in their community.

Together, we can reclaim Roe by prioritizing public health over political agendas.

Dusti Gurule is the Executive Director of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity & Reproductive Rights (COLOR).

Read More Commentary: WWW.ELSEMANARIO.US