Lift Louisiana Statement on Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court of the United States today turned its back on nearly 50 years of legal precedence, and in doing so has harmed millions of people, who no longer will have access to abortion services. By overturning Roe v. Wade, the court has denied a pregnant person’s right to bodily autonomy and to make critical health care decisions that impact their life and their future.

Abortion funds,and support networks are still here to help people, but there are limitations. Louisiana, like many other states, has a trigger ban law, making abortion illegal in our state with no exceptions for rape or incest. If the trigger goes into effect, it will criminalize abortion providers and others that provide assistance in getting abortions for people with low resources. And this is taking place in a state where many struggle to get adequate reproductive health care, and in a state with a horribly high maternal mortality rate where Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth than white women.

Let’s be clear that this decision will not affect privileged people, mostly white, from accessing abortion services. Instead it empowers the state to continue to oppress Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, people with low incomes, young people, people living in rural areas and other marginalized communities from accessing abortion care. This oppression is rooted in anti-Black racism, white supremacy, patriarchy and misogyny. This decision unravels long-standing principles of privacy and freedom upon which many other rights are protected. We understand those rights are now at risk as well.

Politicians and Supreme Court justices with lifetime appointments, have had multiple opportunities to improve people's lives, protect rights and deliver hope. Instead, today we see a court casting the rights of millions into darkness, and moving our country backwards.