This past Saturday marked the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the historic U.S. Supreme Court case recognizing the right to abortion as a fundamental right protected by the U.S. Constitution in all 50 states.

Since that historic day in 1973, we have continued to see relentless attacks on abortion access that chip away at the fundamental right to reproductive autonomy. These attacks have escalated dramatically in the last few last years, most recently culminating in the passage of SB 8 in Texas, effectively outlawing abortion in that state.

As we mark the important milestone that Roe represents in the quest for reproductive freedom, we join millions of others across the country who are braced for the very real possibility that the Supreme Court may do the unthinkable and reverse this precedent, potentially imperiling the reproductive rights of individuals in nearly half of the states. In the current term, the Supreme Court is set to issue a ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which could overturn or severely curtail Roe v. Wade. If this happens, it could make abortion instantly illegal in dozens of states around the country.  

For 45 years, NCLR has been at the forefront working to ensure that everyone has autonomy over their own bodies and lives. We believe that everyone must be free to make their own family decisions, including access to safe and affordable abortion as well as to inclusive assisted reproduction. When it comes to if, when, and how to create a family, it is your decision in our book. And we will keep fighting to keep it that way every day.