The push for anti-abortion laws often appears to be driven predominantly by white men, yet it’s essential to recognize that these efforts also find support among women, such as those who played a role in Georgia’s abortion restrictions or Alabama’s stringent ban signed by Governor Mia Hunter. Women often lead grassroots anti-abortion organizations, complicating the narrative.
At its core, the fight over reproductive rights transcends mere issues of sex; it’s fundamentally about power. Anti-abortion legislation serves to galvanize supporters and solidify authority, feeding into a broader agenda. The GOP has increasingly turned against birth control and is rolling back protections against rape and domestic violence, suggesting a coordinated effort to sustain a subordinate class. While some women are complicit in these power structures, their actions should not distract us from identifying the true power dynamics at play. A closer look at the funding behind many “grassroots” anti-abortion groups reveals connections to national organizations with ulterior motives.
Historically, women possessed knowledge of herbal remedies that could terminate pregnancies, a threat significant enough that countless women faced persecution. The Marxist concept of controlling the means of production is fitting here—human labor has always been a valuable commodity. For much of history, women have been treated like property, whether through marriage, where they were sold or transferred, or through slavery, where their autonomy was stripped away.
In Western society, women have traditionally been expected to reproduce under the directives of those in power. Our lives were often dictated by marriage agreements, and our offspring’s fate was decided by their fathers. For many, the only escape from this cycle was the convent, where they became the church’s property. Those who resisted were labeled as witches.
The legal doctrine of coverture, which merged a woman’s identity with her husband’s, has been on a slow decline. My aunt, for instance, faced severe restrictions after divorcing her abusive partner in the 1970s, needing her father’s permission to open a bank account. Even as recently as 2015, marital rape was only partially recognized in some states. Women frequently report being denied sterilization unless they obtain their husband’s consent, and there are concerning movements that could reinstate forced sterilization under the guise of welfare reform or crime prevention.
In America, being recognized as a woman often means not fully possessing personhood.
A man posed a seemingly “clever” question to me recently: if women outnumber men slightly, how have we allowed this situation to persist? The answer lies in the cyclical nature of pregnancy and incapacity. Pregnancy can drain our vitality, often leaving us vulnerable and unable to reclaim our health. The cycle continues as we often find ourselves pregnant again shortly after childbirth, a condition that reduces our capacity to organize and fight for our rights.
The introduction of reliable birth control and safe abortion has empowered women, allowing them to view reproductive rights as essential. With autonomy over their bodies, women are now leading movements for racial and economic equality and other critical issues. Despite significant progress, the fight for equal rights remains unfinished, as evidenced by the lack of an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The absence of the ERA leaves the door open for the Supreme Court to roll back the progress we’ve made.
Conservative forces are racing against time to reshape the courts before they lose their grip on power. Their tactics are not merely about abortion; they are part of a larger strategy to maintain control over women’s lives. The concept of “sanctity of life” is often a veneer for a struggle for power, not a genuine belief in protecting life.
For many marginalized communities, the ongoing fight for reproductive rights is a struggle for the ability to safely conceive and raise children. The historical trauma faced by Black women and Native Americans highlights the urgent need for true reform. If those advocating for life were sincere, they would focus on ensuring the health and safety of women throughout their pregnancies.
In any power dynamic, some will align with their oppressors, often as a means of survival. White women who choose to ally with white men may see temporary benefits, but this often comes at a cost to their own autonomy and the collective struggle for rights.
Conversely, Black women have largely remained outside this trap, as they lack a power structure to ally with. Their history has taught them that alignments with oppressive forces are fleeting and unreliable.
The path forward involves sharing our stories—of abuse, of struggle, and of resilience. By discussing our histories, we can dismantle the shame surrounding these experiences and hold accountable those who perpetuate a cycle of oppression.
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Summary
The fight over anti-abortion legislation is deeply rooted in power dynamics, not merely moral beliefs. While some women support these laws, the broader implications reveal an agenda aimed at maintaining control over reproductive rights and limiting women’s autonomy. Understanding this context is essential as we strive for true equality and agency over our bodies.