It’s Not 1864 Anymore: Protect Women’s Autonomy

Breaking news for those who aren’t aware: we are living in 2024, not 1864. 

Amidst a fast-approaching election season and a very politically charged climate, there’s no doubt that abortion is a hot-ticket issue in the U.S. this year. And, since Roe v. Wade was overturned in the U.S. in 2022, the country has seen a wave of restrictive abortion laws.

On April 9, the Arizona Supreme Court set women’s rights back 160 years as it upheld a near-total abortion ban, effective immediately. The law prohibits all abortions except for those in which the life of the mother is in danger. According to BBC News, doctors who administer an abortion are subject to a two to five-year prison sentence if the mother’s life is not at risk. The law makes no exceptions for rape or incest.

For many women — especially those currently living in Arizona with no resources to seek care elsewhere — this ruling is a major setback. We are all human beings and we need to stress the importance of bodily autonomy in the legislative system. Women deserve options; they deserve autonomy and the right to make a private reproductive decision with the consideration of their loved ones — not legislators.

In the famous words of MLK, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This logic is more relevant than ever as the number of states allowing safe abortion care diminishes.

Whenever a U.S. court makes a ruling, that court sets a precedent — an example. A court sets examples not only for its state’s future matters but for other states to follow. Bringing back restrictive legislation from the 1800s sets a dangerous precedent for other matters to be deliberated in Arizona and even around the country. Considering the social standards of the U.S. during the late 1800s, the dangerous environment for people of color, and the inferior attitudes toward women, why are lawmakers applying antiquated laws from this period to our modern society?

Our brand strives for people to be mindful, purposeful, and positive in what they do. While there is seemingly little positive coming from this ruling, there is always something to be taught from events like these. 

We should take current political events as a moment to reflect on the relationships we’ve established with the people who have power over us: representatives. As citizens, we have a right and a duty to vote for legislators: the people who make decisions about the law on our behalf. This decision should prompt us all to think carefully about who we elect and what changes we want to see — or don’t want to see — in our immediate communities. Upholding laws from 1864 should not become a standard for our courts, and if it does, it should be an immediate call to action.

Let this be an opportunity for you to reflect on the issues you care about most — and remember to always Be Mindful of your impact, Be Purposeful in what you do, and Be Positive in what you say.

Best,

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