Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex has broken royal protocol by speaking out about the US Supreme Court overturning the Roe v Wade case, which protected a woman’s right to get an abortion in the US.
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Meghan said the ruling, which will see women in 13 US states banned from accessing terminations and many other states seriously restrict access, is already affecting women across the country.
“Women are already sharing stories of how their physical safety is being put in danger,” she told Vogue, adding that women of colour are especially at risk.
“Women with resources will travel to get an abortion, those without might attempt to give themselves one at tremendous risk.”
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She added that pregnant women in medical emergencies will be “at the mercy” of doctors and lawyers who will get to decide if an abortion, which in some cases can save the mother’s life, is even allowed.
“What does this tell women? It tells us that our physical safety doesn’t matter, and as a result that we don’t matter. But we do. Women matter,” the royal continued.
It was this thought that prompted her to call friend and feminist icon Gloria Steinem, so they could channel their “anger” into making a difference through activism.
The duchess also pointed out that the abortion ban could be the first step in a “blueprint for reversing rights” in the US, which could target same-sex marriage rulings and contraceptive access for future bans.
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She urged people to take their anger and energy to the November midterm elections in the US and vote to support the causes they care about, including women’s reproductive rights.
With two children of her own with Prince Harry, Archie and Lilibet, and after experiencing a painful miscarriage in 2020, the duchess knows how deeply personal pregnancy and birth is.
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But she passed no judgement on women who seek terminations, saying: “Frankly, whether it’s a woman being put in an unthinkable situation, a woman not ready to start a family, or even a couple who deserve to plan their family in a way that makes the most sense for them, it’s about having a choice.”
Her comments marked a huge break away from royal protocol, which traditionally dictates that members of the British monarchy stay silent on political issues.
But long-time followers of the duchess wouldn’t be surprised, as Meghan has been a staunch feminist and vocal advocate for women’s rights since long before she married Harry in 2018.
Just don’t expect other members of the royal family to comment on the US abortion ban any time soon – they generally like to steer clear of US politics altogether.
