The confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett may be a threat to women’s reproductive rights and health. The first case she is set to hear on Nov. 10 will determine whether the Affordable Care Act continues on.
That’s just one reason Brittany Fonteno of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is afraid that Barrett’s confirmation could threaten the health and rights of women for generations. Planned Parenthood provides sex education and health care in many underserved communities, and the Affordable Care Act is how many of the women it serves get their insurance, said Fonteno.
“We are talking about brown and Black communities, immigrant communities, undocumented, people with low income and of course women and women’s ability to control their own bodies and their future,” said Fonteno.
Barrett has previously voiced opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision that legalized abortion. While a University of Notre Dame law professor, Barrett signed an ad that stated, “it's time to put an end to the barbaric legacy of Roe v. Wade.”
Liz Gustafson of the NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut said Connecticut is one of the few states that codified Roe v. Wade. This means women’s access to abortion services would remain in effect even if the national law were overturned. Although Barrett brings new urgency to the situation, Gustafson said it isn’t a new fight.
“Connecticut must take bold and creative action, as reproductive freedom isn’t only about the court or legislature, but it’s about the people and their right to decide if, when and how to start their families in healthy communities,” said Gustafson.
The legality of abortions doesn’t equal access, said Gustafson. She said the fight continues in Connecticut to extend reproductive freedom to people of every race and economic status.
