Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey – The Black Woman’s Fight for Reproductive Justice
Ms. Stephanie Burks, 8th Episcopal District
Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey—let us remember these names.
These women were enslaved on plantations in Montgomery, Alabama, in the 1840s. They were subjected to medical experiments by J. Marion Sims, often recognized as a pioneer in the field of gynecology. Tragically, their suffering and that of others served as the basis for Sims’ medical advancements, and he conducted each experiment without providing any form of anesthesia. These women had no control over their bodies. These injustices still exist today, a disturbing reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Nearly a year ago, the Jackson Women’s Health Clinic, the only licensed abortion facility in Mississippi, shut its doors. Commonly referred to as the “Pink House,” this establishment stood at the center of the battle for reproductive justice, and Mississippi became the focus, drawing worldwide attention.
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) delivered its decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning the constitutional right to abortion. This 5-4 ruling overturned the landmark cases of Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey (1992), transferring the authority to regulate abortion to individual states.
Subsequently, on July 7, 2022, A Mississippi “trigger law” passed, imposing a comprehensive ban on all abortions, except when the pregnant person’s life is at risk or in cases of rape or incest.
Currently, 14 states have enacted abortion bans, some of which do not provide exceptions for rape or incest and even criminalize abortion providers and individuals seeking the procedure. This issue of reproductive bodily autonomy is deeply entangled with racial justice, as it disproportionately affects women belonging to black and brown communities.
The implications go beyond abortion.
Recent data from the Mississippi Maternal Report, published earlier this year, reveals a staggering increase in maternal health disparities, with black women experiencing four times higher rates of maternal death than white women, who, in contrast, have seen a decline. These statistics rank among the worst in the nation. Denying bodily autonomy is not unfamiliar to women of color, particularly black women. Mississippi, in particular, has consistently opposed federal efforts to expand healthcare access for those facing poverty, resulting in the closure of hospitals in several critically underserved areas within the state. These closures further worsen the healthcare crisis, disproportionately affecting women and children.
When a woman cannot choose how or if she gives birth, it has social and economic consequences. Additionally, it affects the environment in which children are born. These decisions affect us all, and it is crucial that we advocate for all of our citizens and not ignore seemingly distant situations. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues is essential in creating a society that prioritizes equal access to resources for all individuals.
