As a woman living in a world where Roe v. Wade has been overturned, I feel a sense of despair and frustration. The ability to make decisions about my own body and reproductive health has been taken away from me, and the economic impact of this decision is significant. The effects on women and families' economic security will be particularly devastating in the 27 states that have at least one abortion ban on the books. And it's even starker for women of color and BIPOC who can get pregnant. 

Anti-abortion extremists continue to restrict abortion, including medication abortion, which has been FDA approved for 20 years. This means people will increasingly be forced to cross state lines and pay money out of pocket to access the critical care that they need -- putting a significant financial burden on families working to make ends meet. According to the Center for American Progress, without access to abortion, women are three times more likely to fall into poverty. The study also found that states with the most restrictive abortion laws have higher rates of poverty, lower levels of educational attainment, and fewer job opportunities. These effects are felt most acutely by women of color, who are disproportionately impacted by poverty and systemic barriers to economic opportunity. 

If lawmakers truly cared about protecting children and families, they should prioritize policies that support families, such as access to affordable healthcare, paid family and medical leave, and affordable childcare, as well as policies that address the root causes of poverty, such as providing livable wages and a guaranteed income, providing access to affordable housing and investing directly in families and communities. Overturning Roe v. Wade without offering essential economic assistance, would worsen the financial struggles that families face when they are not prepared for or capable of raising a child. This effectively sends the message that the fetus is valued more than the life and well-being of the individual carrying it and the child born into an unsupported and potentially unstable environment. Policies that truly support the well-being of families and children prioritize both economic supports and reproductive rights, including the expanded Child Tax Credit and EITC, paid family and medical leave, and Baby Bonds legislation. These policies ensure that families have the resources and support they need to raise their families with dignity and achieve economic security and freedom. Moreover, whether families have access to financial resources or not, we deserve access to safe and legal abortion to make decisions about our reproductive health and our futures. 

I refuse to remain passive while my rights and dignity are threatened. I'm fired up and ready to continue my work with Prosperity Now to create an economy that works for everyone. And that means fighting for our right to make decisions about our lives. As access to safe and legal abortion continues to be restricted, it is young, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and AAPI women and LGBTQ folks who will face significant economic hurdles that impede their ability to achieve financial security and independence. Access to safe and legal abortion is non-negotiable if we want true economic security and liberation for all women.