1973-2022
This powerful poem reflects on the landmark Roe v. Wade case of 1973 and its impact on women’s rights, particularly the right to privacy and bodily autonomy. It juxtaposes the hope and progress brought by the original decision with the devastation of its 2022 overturning. Through historical references and raw emotions, the poem highlights the consequences for women—loss of freedom, safety, and self-determination. It serves as a poignant commentary on regression, gender inequality, and the fight for basic rights.
12/17/2024
The year was 1973
The State was Texas
The Attorney was Wade
And the Plaintiff was ‘Jane Roe’
Yes, Jane Roe!
Jane Doe for the unidentified body
And Jane Roe for the unidentified plaintiff
Unidentified - Just so that she doesn’t become a ‘Jane Doe’
1973
9 Supreme Court Justice
All Male
Majority white
1 black
It’s the diversity that counts, right?
All without a Womb
Jane Roe might not have had too much hope
And Yet,
A miracle happened - She won!
7-2 decision in her favor
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - a milestone
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - a reason to breathe
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - I don’t have to carry my assaulter’s child to term
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - I can concentrate on my career
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - a fatal pregnancy won’t kill me
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - My body, my right
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - Right to privacy
‘Roe v/s Wade’ - Basic Freedom
They say that the world has evolved
They say that new information has come
They say people know a lot more about lot more
They say that equality is a basic tenet of life
They say ‘ This is the US- not Afghanistan’
They say ‘Our Women have a much better life’
49 years of basic freedom
Just 1 year shy of half century
And then came,
Year 2022
Fresh out of COVID
New appreciation for life
And first thought of Supreme Court
‘That’s way too much of freedom for you ladies’
Alito said
“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start’
6-3 decision in favor of overturning
A woman raped will have to give birth to the kid of her rapist
A woman will die because the birth of her baby is fatal to her body
A woman will have to stay at home because a pregnancy was not in her plans
A woman
A woman
A woman
No longer living for herself
The tombstone should read
1973-2022
Rest In Peace
‘Women’s Right to Privacy’
No, lets just be honest
Let’s put the tombstone correctly
1973-2022
Rest In Peace ‘Women’