What Roe v. Wade’s Overturn Means for Teens

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal right to abortion. This decision has had a ripple effect across the country, especially for teens. Many states quickly passed restrictive laws, making it harder, or nearly impossible, for young people to access abortion services. But what people often overlook is how this ruling also creates confusion around other forms of reproductive healthcare, like emergency contraception and birth control access.

For teens, navigating reproductive health was already challenging. We face stigma, lack of education in school, and often can’t get medical help without parental consent. With this legal shift, some young people now fear criminal consequences for making private decisions about their bodies. It’s a scary, uncertain time.

Whether someone agrees with abortion or not, the bottom line is that teens need accurate health information and safe access to care. We deserve the right to make informed decisions without being judged or punished. As future voters, leaders, and healthcare users, it’s critical that we pay attention to how laws like this shape our generation’s future.