A Woman's Right To Have An Abortion Could Soon Be In Jeopardy
Imagine being a woman and being told that your feminine products are not exempt from taxation because it is considered a "luxury."
Imagine being a woman who is denied public office because her "emotions" will get in the way of tough decisions.
Imagine being a woman who is neglected being given the same pay as her male co-worker, despite working the same job.
Imagine being a woman and no longer having the power to say what happens to your body.
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For 125.9 million adult women in the United States, including myself, those scenarios do not have to be imagined, because it is an unfortunate part of our reality. And truth be told, because of this, being a woman is exhausting.
Every day, we must fight for to be free from sexual violence, to hold public office, to have equal rights to work, to fair wages or equal pay. And now, we must fight for yet another thing. Something that we had already won the right to have: reproductive rights.
45 years ago, in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized a woman's constitutional right to an abortion in the decision of Roe v. Wade. The momentous ruling legalized abortion nationwide but has received scrutiny ever since.
Recently, the decision of Roe v. Wade has been placed in greater jeopardy, due to the nomination of U.S. Court of Appeal for the District of Columbia, Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
What is Roe v. Wade?
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The case of Roe v. Wade was filed by Norma McCorvey, who, at the time, went by the anonymous pseudonym "Jane Roe." In 1969, McCorvey, who lived in Texas, was looking to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. But she couldn't due to the strict anti-abortion laws in Texas and nearly every state at the time.
The laws proclaimed abortion as a crime unless a woman's life was at risk. Nevertheless, seeking to safely and legitimately abort her pregnancy, McCorvey sued Henry Wade, the Dallas county district attorney, in 1970. The case later traveled to the Supreme Court.
After three years, on January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court announced the defining ruling, with a 7-2 decision that a woman's right to make her own medical decision, including the choice to have an abortion, is protected under the 14th Amendment.
Why Kavanaugh's Nomination is Significant
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The Roe v. Wade decision has never been overturned, but in the years since, state laws have been passed to restrict access to abortion. Nonetheless, with Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, women might be facing the greatest risk to the future of reproductive rights in the United States by placing the power of abortion legality into the hands of the states.
In 2016, during the presidential election, President Trump promised that he would only appoint Supreme Court Justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade, and with the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh, it can only be assumed that Trump made good on that promise.
Reversing the historical case would not automatically make abortion illegal across the country. Instead, it would return the decision about abortion legality to the states, where a patchwork of laws already in place render abortion available, largely depending on individual states political leanings.
As the Washington Post, Guttmacher, and The Center of Reproductive Rights report, some states have pre-Roe abortion laws on the books, while others have passed laws intended to take effect if Roe is ever overturned. But other states have passed laws specifically to keep abortion legal in that case. So, the legality of abortion would depend on which states you live in:
States with "trigger laws" that would automatically ban some or all abortions:
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and South Dakota
States with pre-Roe abortion bans still on the books:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
States with laws that describe an intention to pass anti-abortion laws:
Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, and Ohio.
States with laws that explicitly protect abortion:
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, and Washington.
Check out the Center of Reproductive Rights Website to find out more.
How Can You Help Keep Abortion Safe?
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VOTE
Seriously, your voice is important and your opinion matters. Vote in the primaries and midterms, In local elections and in 2020. Vote early and often, and vote for pro-choice candidates.
Call Your Representatives
The damage to abortion access is already being done at the state level. So, it's about time you call your representatives and tell them what you really think about their policies.
Donate to Planned Parenthood and Other Groups
If you can, donating to Planned Parenthood helps the organization fight laws and policies that assure women's access to the reproductive health they require. You can also donate at the National Network of Abortion Funds, which help women who can't afford the procedure by paying for abortions and helping with services with transportation, translation, childcare, and a place to stay.
Become More Knowledgeable on Abortion
Abortion usually has a negative stigma due to miscommunications. Become informed and talk to your family member and friends.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Women fear abortion rights under threat - BBC News ›
- Susan Collins: Won't support SCOTUS pick hostile to abortion rights ... ›
- Abortion Rights FAQs - FindLaw ›
- Opinion | The threat to abortion rights is bigger than you think ›
- Trump's Values and the Fate of Abortion Rights - Bloomberg ›
- States' ballot measures target abortion rights - POLITICO ›
- Abortion rights : NPR ›
- Opinion | To Save Abortion Rights, We Have to Think Beyond Roe ... ›
- State of abortion rights ›
- Abortion-rights movements - Wikipedia ›
Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty