Federal and state lawmakers are systematically restricting women's health care options. Through such measures as the late term abortion ban and fetal protection, these lawmakers will stop at nothing to force their will upon American women. Several states around the country have already begun to implement new laws that restrict women's reproductive freedom, in hopes that they will produce new test cases in the courts. Roe v. Wade, the case where the Supreme Court struck down Texas' abortion ban, stands by a thin majority in the Supreme Court.
But several U.S. Supreme Court Justices are expected to retire shortly. This will enable the president and Congress to appoint judges who are hostile to women's fundamental rights. If the Supreme Court majority shifts and Roe v. Wade is reversed, state after state will take away a woman's right to control her own reproductive and health care choices. Women will be deprived of safe, legal abortions. Women will once again be forced into back allies to exercise their most fundamental rights.
To effect change, our generation must unite and join this fight. This weekend, over a million people will stand shoulder-to-shoulder in Washington, D.C. with Americans of all races, genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations to march for freedom. Now is the time to send a wake-up call to our leaders that we will fight to protect women's fundamental reproductive rights. Women-not government officials-must be trusted to make personal decisions about when or whether to bear children. Reproductive freedom is a human right. We are determined to protect it for women worldwide. At a time when younger generations are more empowered, more active and more visible than ever, now is our time to act. Amherst College students supporting women's reproductive rights at this momentous event will send a message to lawmakers that can't be ignored.
In response to our participation in the March for Women's Lives, the Republican Club, Newman Club and Amherst Christian Fellowship will hold a candlelight vigil. Stating the vigil's purpose to be that of "mourn[ing] the deaths of innocent children," the vigil's sponsors drastically oversimplify the issues that encompass the abortion debate. Beyond the fundamental misunderstanding that a fetus is just that, a fetus, and not a child, the Republicans' impoverished understanding ignores the historical truth that diminished access to reproductive health care has claimed the lives of thousands of women. If these groups wanted to have a true "Vigil for Life," perhaps they should also mourn the women who have died from lack of access to safe abortion services.
This conflict asks us to choose between freedom and domination. Women need to be able to have full control of their body and reproductive health. To decide otherwise is to make women inferior members in our society. This march is not simply about abortion. The Republicans may be surprised to learn that among the goals of the March is to advocate for the changes necessary to reduce the need for abortion. The March will also demand easier access to contraceptive options, sex education and healthcare for women. On Saturday, when two busloads of Amherst College students travel to the nation's capital, we will make a statement for reproductive justice that will be heard by the nation.
This evening we are opening our March kick-off event to all students. If you can't attend the March, please join us tonight and help send off the Amherst College Delegation and show your support for reproductive freedom. The event will be held in the Campus Center Frontroom. At 6:30 p.m. we will make posters, hear professors share stories of their old march experiences and have Antonio's pizza. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a speak-out for women to speak openly about their experiences with abortion and help remind us why it is important to march.