The ultimate responsibility of the Supreme Court as an institution is to protect equal justice under the law. However, the Court recently overturned Roe v. Wade, indicating that it does not truly care about human rights or the Constitution.

In essence, the landmark case made sure states did not have the power to restrict abortion until after the first trimester of pregnancy. While many conservatives tend to justify their anti-abortion sentiments with religion, the true issue here is about bodily autonomy and a woman’s right to choose, which should not be controlled by the state. Indeed, the Supreme Court majority’s claim that abortion is “unconstitutional” is not justified. On the contrary, this case is just part of an agenda to return to a time when women did not even have the right to vote.

Though the Supreme Court is the land’s highest court, after this ruling, it is hard not to question its legitimacy. “Ordered liberty” was repeated many times throughout the 213-page majority opinion. This is disturbing because the Supreme Court clearly does not consider a woman’s right to decide what happens to her own body a necessary freedom. 

The argument for banning abortion often stems from the “unborn child” and the belief that the fetus can feel pain. This view can be easily debunked as Roe v. Wade protects abortion rights only up to the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, the scientific community generally agrees that a fetus’s nervous system is only fully developed around 26 weeks. This argument is therefore merely a distraction from an extremely conservative agenda weaponized by religion. 

“I was really frustrated and angry at the overturning but not surprised. Conservatives and constitutionalist judges wish to control women’s bodies and invade their rights to privacy to “save babies’ lives”, completely disregarding the woman’s life and safety. Limiting and banning abortion only causes more back alley abortions and dangers for women,” junior Anabella Rodriguez said.

The effect overturning Roe v Wade has had on this country is horrifying. States such as Texas have already implemented arbitrary laws so strict that they make no exceptions for rape or incest. This ruling demonstrates that the U.S. is entering a period of extreme conservatism. Instead of supporting their constituents, many elected officials are choosing to restrict abortion without further support for families or initiatives towards improving the foster care system. Sadly, children who have been in the U.S. foster care system are at a significantly higher risk of mental and physical health problems.

No efforts have been made to increase funding for the foster care system, support single moms or increase healthcare. Anti-abortion activists do not truly care about the life of the child. In reality, they want to push their religious beliefs on a secular system of government. This extremist court is bringing church and state together, thus violating the values this democracy was built on. 

“The overturning of Roe v Wade is an attack on bodily autonomy and it is inhumane to regulate what should be private medical decisions,” junior Sofia Felan said.

Fortunately, the silver lining amidst all this chaos is the people’s power to change this country’s course. Youth, women and other advocates are fiercely standing up against this unjust ruling that does not reflect the views of the country or adhere to the Constitution.  For example, 60% of Kansans recently voted to keep the constitutional right to an abortion in the state. This incredible victory proves that the people are not powerless. In fact, civic action and advocacy are more crucial than ever. Whether it is through voting for elected officials who will make a difference, donating to organizations or exercising freedom of speech, U.S. citizens have the ability to lead this country into a brighter future.