At UpCircle, we are truly heartbroken and devastated to hear that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion. 90% of team UpCircle are women so this news feels very personal to us, and we wholeheartedly stand against the Supreme Court’s decision. This societal setback directly impacts UpCircle’s belief in human rights and our hearts go out to those who will be affected. We firmly believe it is a fundamental right for humans to make decisions about their own bodies and futures and it is impossible to put into words what it means to no longer legally be able to make one of the most vital decisions affecting your body and life. Access to reproductive healthcare and safety should not be the privilege of a few. Abortion is health care and Abortion is a human right.
What does this mean for those affected in the US?
Unsafe abortions:
Criminalising abortions in the US would mean people will be forced to seek unsafe alternatives to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Unlike legal abortions that are carried out by trained medical providers, unsafe abortions can have fatal consequences such as death. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that unsafe abortions are the third leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide and lead to an additional five million disabilities. Those who are already marginalised are disproportionately affected by such laws as they have no means to seek safe and legal services or access to private care. They include women/girls on a low income, refugees/migrants, adolescents, lesbian, bisexual cisgender women and girls, transgender, gender non-conforming individuals, and minority or indigenous women.
Increased risk of mental health:
Despite widespread assumptions that people who get abortions are consumed by guilt, regret and even depression, research from The World Health Organisation (WHO) shows the stakes are higher for those denied an abortion. Reproductive rights are fundamental to our mental health and when control is lost over our bodies, we lose autonomy. This will only spark anger as well as hopelessness which exacerbates depression and anxiety. Experiencing unwanted pregnancies can lead to mental health ramifications which the Supreme Court was inconsiderate about. There are various reasons why someone would choose to have an abortion. This could be to get rid of trauma from sexual assault, ectopic pregnancy; where the baby is grown in the fallopian tube which could kill the mother if not removed, a transgender man who accidentally got pregnant, miscarriages, or economic reasons. The list goes on, but this unfair decision could and will have a toll on people’s mental health and physical health.
What are we doing?
To show our support to people across the US who will be affected by this, UpCircle will donate $1 from every order on us.upcirclebeauty.com between now and 10th July to 'Plan C Organization'. Plan C was founded by public health researchers, social justice activists and digital strategists with the belief that abortion pills belong in the hands of people who need them, and that this kind of care is a basic human right. They transform access to abortion in the US by normalizing the self-directed option of abortion pills by mail. UpCircle believes it is important for people to have the choice and the ability to end an early pregnancy for those who need it which is our rationale behind choosing Plan C. In addition, UpCircle will make access to travel for abortion a part of our healthcare pledge for US staff when we hire a team over there this year. We will also promise to educate ourselves and learn more about sexual and reproductive healthcare, including its importance and how it can affect someone's mental and physical health.
How can you help?
Charity links to donate to:
• domesticshelters.org (Local Women's Shelters)
• usow.org/repro
• plancpills.org/donate
• reproductiverights.org
• theafiyacenter.org/donate
• siecus.org
• peerhealthexchange.org
• advocatesforyouth.org
Alternative ways you can help:
• Volunteer for a local action group
• Write a letter to your state representative
• Educate yourself on sexual & reproductive health
If you are affected:
Abortion care services:• abortionfinder.org
• plancpills.org/support-resources
Accessing financial assistance:
• abortionfunds.org/need-abortion
Planned parenthood:
• access care, learn more, and get involved: plannedparenthood.org
Free medical advice:
• call or text miscarriage and abortion hotline at (833) 246-2632