One established boundary that has notably shifted in the past five years is the right to bodily autonomy, particularly in the context of reproductive rights. This boundary was originally solidified in 1973 with the landmark Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which granted women the constitutional right to access abortion under the 14th Amendment. This ruling set a significant precedent, ensuring that women across the United States had the legal right to make decisions about their reproductive health without excessive government interference. In the past five years another court case had dramatically shifted that boundary. Particularly with the Dobbs v Jackson 2022 decision to regulate abortion to individual states. Many states have since then implemented restrictive laws about abortion.
This decision marked a significant shift in the legal landscape, undoing nearly 50 years of precedent. On a state legislature level, some states have implemented “trigger laws” that immediately banned abortion upon the overturning of Roe. This shift has led to significant changes in healthcare access, with some women having to travel out of state to access abortion services, or facing the prospect of unsafe, illegal procedures, or possible jail time. Socially the shift has influenced the broader cultural discourse around women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and the role of government in personal decisions.
The Dobbs decision has ignited debates and activism on both sides of the issue, highlighting the contentious nature of abortion rights in the United States. One of the main things that I believe prompted this change is the long-term conservative political strategy, especially in the supreme court. With abortion rights becoming a key issue dividing liberals and conservatives. The political landscape has enabled more extreme positions to gain traction, influence policy, and votes. Another reason this change occurred could be because of religious influences, with many religious groups advocating for more restrictive abortion laws based on their moral and ethical beliefs. A significant boundary shifted majorly in just under 50 years’ time and in this political climate more boundaries may shift as well.
Published by