People interviewed at American University the day after a historic Supreme Court ruling that struck down a controversial Texas law regulating abortion clinics overwhelmingly supported the landmark ruling.
“I was raised in a Christian family where abortion was not supported, but my view has changed for it to be the woman’s decision,” said Kefale Bekele, 49. “It’s too hard to say you can’t do this.”
Texas legislators passed a law that would have required abortion clinics to have hospital-grade equipment and have doctors with admitting access to an emergency room. This would have shut down a majority of clinics in the state.
“Anything that makes the full range of healthcare available to all women is a step in the right direction” said Dawn Fairvbanks, 51. “There is still a long way to go before women are on par with men in reproductive health care, however it can begin a more widespread discussion for change.”
Fei Lan, 20, said that people without choice would face long-term negative consequences.
“It’s not fair to kids because they won’t grow up well, they won’t be financially stable, it’s not a life,” Lan said.
Hannah Ross, a 21-year-old American University student, said she hopes the Supreme Court decision will create more liberal laws and policies nationwide.
“Hopefully, it will cause a domino effect where it goes to moral issues and gives more protection to women,” Ross said. “When the decision on women’s reproductive rights does come, no one side will be pleased.”