On this day in 1965, the Supreme Court upheld the “right of marital privacy” in the case of Griswold v. Connecticut, which ensured access to contraception. The case provided precedent for the court to legalize abortion in the Roe v. Wade case eight years later. The Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overrule Roe also raised concern about how the right to privacy might be further threatened in other landmark decisions. When discussing the intersecting harms of the political attacks on reproductive freedom, remember to advance narratives of full rights and justice for everyone, especially those living in poverty and Black, brown, and Indigenous communities. Cite the values of opportunity and equity.
Tag: health justice
Birthday of Edward Verne Roberts
Today is the birthday of Edward Verne Roberts, who was a pioneering advocate for people with disabilities. Many consider him the “father of independent living.” Use the anniversary to discuss how public benefits help people with disabilities. Use the values of Equality and Economic Mobility.
Right to Privacy: Roe v. Wade
NWLC Joins Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Case Challenging Texas SB 8 Abortion Ban – National Women’s Law CenterSiOn this day in 1973, the Supreme Court upheld the “right to privacy” in the case of Roe v. Wade, protecting a pregnant woman’s right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. Nearly 50 years later, reproductive justice faces significant threats, from Texas’ SB8 to the pending Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. When talking about this anniversary, cite the values of Economic Security, Voice, and Equality.
Legalization of Prohibition
On this day in 1919, Prohibition was legalized with the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. Today, we view this period as a wasteful, punitive and ill-conceived intrusion on the lives of Americans. This era is often noted in conversations about the need for criminal justice reform and more humane drug policies that center equity and emphasize harm reduction. Use this anniversary to discuss how far our nation has come in upholding the values of Redemption and Community.
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA)
On this day in 1993, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) which requires most employers to provide job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons to their employees. The law was an important step for worker rights but today advocates are pushing for paid family and medical leave for all workers. Cite the values of opportunity and equity when discussing this anniversary.
Black History Month
While Black History Month is officially commemorated during February, we honor Black history and celebrate Black excellence and futures year-round. This month — and into March — opportunities abound for telling an affirmative story about racial justice in the United States. Cite the values of voice and community in sharing these resources with your audiences.
ACT UP
ACT UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power) held its first-ever demonstration on this day in 1987. The protest on Wall Street targeted pharmaceutical companies that were profiteering from the epidemic. ACT UP brought widespread attention to the AIDS epidemic and helped make significant advances in AIDS research. Discuss this anniversary and the ongoing need for healthcare and LGBTQ activism. Cite the values of voice, equity, and community.
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
On this day in 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. More than 20 million people gained health coverage through the Act. Despite advances in coverage under the ACA, the United States continues to have one of the most expensive and least equitable healthcare systems among developed countries. To discuss the anniversary and current healthcare debate, cite the values of economic opportunity and community.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on this day in 1933. Before becoming the second woman on the Supreme Court, the late Justice had a long legal career as an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. As a cultural icon, her impact transcended courts. When discussing her legacy, it’s also important to note her mixed judicial record on issues of race and criminal justice, with particularly damaging decisions for indigenous rights. Cite the values of economic opportunity and voice.
Abortion Provider Appreciation Day
Today is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day to recognize staff who work every day to ensure that patients have access to the full range of reproductive health care options — including safe and legal abortion. Use this day to talk about the intersectional issues of reproductive justice and economic opportunity. Cite the values of voice, equity, and community.
