As an immigrant to the U.S., I’m consistently shocked by the paradox of how this country prides itself on freedom and innovation, while also taking a flimsy stance on fundamental human rights. We see this play out in our culture all the time—many people have no paid leave, millions are unable to afford access to healthcare, and plenty of folks carry guns without basic safety measures in place. And of course, we also see it every day through the insatiable desire people have to control female bodies without providing the financial or structural support needed for those who do become mothers.
I wrote an entirely different newsletter before Politico leaked the initial draft majority opinion document last night, indicating that the Supreme Court is ready to overturn Roe v. Wade. All while, the world also watched women swan up the red carpet in clothing inspired by the “Gilded Age.” Are our reproductive rights headed back to that era? It feels that way. For those not based in the U.S., Roe v Wade upholds the right to abortion on a federal level. By overturning it, 22 states will automatically rule abortion unlawful, as it places the legality of this medical procedure on state governments.
The news confirms what most women silently feel—that our bodies are vessels for others, not ourselves. Because while shocking, all of this feels rather unsurprising. Women do silent work and give up pieces of themselves every day behind the scenes, whether it's unpaid labor, childcare, or parental care. This is simply the reality that permeates our so-called “modern” society.
As I’ve adjusted to living in the U.S., I’ve also noticed that—when events like this happen—there’s a large lack of coverage of other world events. It’s worth noting that of course this issue isn’t just affecting women in America—many countries still have not legalized access to abortion. Reports also show that maternal mortality in the U.S. is already higher than most “industrialized” countries, with Black women three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. This rate has also only increased in the last few decades despite advances in modern medicine. The reality of a post-Roe world will literally subject millions of women to forced pregnancies with unsafe conditions and no financial support. Notably, it will most affect those women who have the least resources. Overturning Roe v. Wade will not ban abortions, they’ll still happen as they always have throughout history, but it will ban safe abortions. Zooming out, the crux of the Roe v. Wade case is based on the “right to privacy,” or the right to have one’s personal matters disclosed. Many Supreme Court rules are based on this, such as punishing gay sex (Lawrence v. Texas), access to contraceptives (Griswold v. Connecticut), interracial marriage (Loving v. Virginia), and same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges). The list goes on.
Why is this country so obsessed with women carrying pregnancies to term? Why are we not trusted to make decisions for our own bodies? Are we really that afraid of female autonomy and power? The fact this is still up for debate in 2022 is a harrowing insight into the subconscious bias of this country. Female bodies literally create and nurture humans, and yet this incredible ability is treated as a disability (no really, maternity leave falls under “short-term disability leave”) and is weaponized as a form of oppression. It’s a waste of human potential. None of it makes sense to me.
While this leaked document is still a draft and it is still federally lawful to get an abortion, if you’re looking for an action to take today, here’s a list abortion funds you can donate to. And if you’re a man reading this, this also affects you. Say something.
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What we’re reading...
👀 The problem with femtech. (Pitchbook)
🤰 More kids? After the last two years? No thanks. (New York Times)
✈️ The end of the all-male, all-white cockpit. (New York Times)
🫀The most detailed female anatomy ever produced. (BBC)
Who we’re Dieming with…
Conversations in the Diem universe feel like you’re dialing in to a call with your most knowledgeable friends. Here’s a selection of wisdom we’re listening to this week…
Wallets, Gas Fees… Crypto Terminology 101. Bec Jones, founder of Clutch Wallet is answered all the “dumb” questions. Listen here.
Sexual Communication & Confidence. Dr. Tara is sharing wisdom on how to cultivate confidence in intimacy. Recording live TODAY 8.30PM EST. Listen here.
Empowering the next generation of women through web3 with Dayna Trocki DeStefano & Juliette Blake. Recording live WEDNESDAY 11AM EST. Listen here.
Navigating Modern Friendships (the good, bad and toxic) with Vy Yang & author of “How to break up with your friends” Erin Falconer. Recording live, WEDNESDAY 4.30PM EST. Listen here.
The power of saying no with mental health advocate and author, Kirpa Singh. Recording live, THURSDAY 5PM EST. Listen here.
See you next time,
Emma
co-founder, Diem