THE DAWNING OF THE DEATH OF WOMEN’S  RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN AMERICA

Cynthia Jones, Esq., Senior Contributor, Author 

on behalf of

Sister-to-Sister Int’l Network of Professional African American Women, Inc.

     I was a freshman in college when the  Supreme Court of the United States  (the Court) rendered  its landmark decision, Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), which struck down several Texas laws that criminalized abortion. The Court ruled that the United States’ Constitution  protects a pregnant woman's right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. The Court further found, among other things, that inherent in the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment is a fundamental right to privacy that protects a pregnant woman’s choice to have an abortion. However, this right is balanced against the government’s interests in protecting women's health and protecting “the potentiality of human life.”

     Additionally, the Court stated that in the first trimester of pregnancy, only the pregnant woman and her attending physician can make the abortion decision. In the second trimester, the state may impose regulations on abortion that are reasonably related to maternal health. In the third trimester, once the fetus reaches the point of viability, a state may regulate abortions or prohibit them entirely, so long as the laws contain exceptions for cases when abortion is necessary to save the life or health of the mother. Subsequently, in 1992  the Supreme Court decided Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed Roe v. Wade’s holding that a woman's right to choose to have an abortion is constitutionally protected. However, the Court, added a new standard to determine the validity of laws restricting abortions. The Court replaced  Roe v Wade’s  trimester analysis  with a standard based on fetal viability.

     Fast forward to May 3, 2022, when Politico published an initial draft of the majority opinion regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, written by Justice Samuel Alito, suggesting that the Court intends to strike down Roe v. Wade. Ironically, this is not the first time that a U.S. Supreme Court opinion was leaked. In June 1972, the Washington Post published  a story about the Court’s internal deliberations regarding Roe v. Wade, including a memo from Justice William Douglas to the other Justices, prior to the Court issuing the decision. Subsequently, in January 1973, a Court clerk leaked the Roe v. Wade decision to a Time Magazine reporter. The final opinion and details of the vote were published just hours before the Court was due to announce the Roe v. Wade opinion. But I digress.

     All the publicized angst regarding the leak of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, is really the proverbial tempest in a teapot, designed to turn our attention from the fact that if the leaked Dobbs opinion is issued in its current state, women will be stripped of our bodily autonomy and our right to choose what is best for us and/or our family.

     Sounding the alarm, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) has rightly stated that, “With the Supreme Court poised in the fast-approaching term to revisit Roe in the Mississippi case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, it is critical that the American people clearly understand the vast criminalization efforts – and the repercussions to so many of us – that are already well underway in many states across the nation.” 

     In addition to obliterating the  basic principles of stare decisis (Latin for “to stand by things decided”)  and the rule of law, the anticipated Dobbs decision will open the door to a patchwork of state laws prohibiting abortion. Some of these state laws can only be described as draconian. For example, Louisiana is currently trying to pass the “Abolition of Abortion in Louisiana Act of 2022,” which provides, in part, that the legislature “fully recognize the human personhood of an unborn child at all stages of development prior to birth from the moment of fertilization.” To add further insult, there are no exceptions in cases where the pregnancy threatens the life of the woman. This is staggering given that anecdotally there are approximately 100,000 ectopic pregnancies in the U.S. annually. Also, Black females are not only at higher risk of having an ectopic pregnancy but we are also at higher risk of dying from one.

Be afraid, be very afraid!

     Fear is warranted right now because as many legal scholars have warned, this is just the beginning for the radical and rabid right. They will not stop with women’s reproductive rights. They will  target other rights that are covered under the  same implied constitutional right to privacy umbrella. For example, parental autonomy, gay rights, use of contraceptives, certain fertility treatments and interracial marriage. All of the aforementioned “rights” are ripe for attack because, like abortion, they are grounded in the implied right to privacy. As I rue the path  that this conservative Court is taking, I am haunted by the  words of  James Baldwin in his open letter to Angela Davis:  “If we know, then we must fight for your life as though it were our own – which it is – and render impassable with our bodies the corridor to the gas chamber. For, if they take you in the morning, they will be coming for us that night.”

Sources:

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Center for Disease Control

     Juneteenth is a day of recognition, restoration, and celebration. Historically known as Jubilee Day, Juneteenth is the oldest celebration that commemorates the emancipation of slavery in the United States. Despite its longstanding celebration, the meaning and historical significance of Juneteenth remains a mystery to many. It is important to understand Juneteenth’s correlation to American history, the events that led to Juneteenth, why Black folks continue to celebrate each year, and the prolonged battle for equality that continues today.

     Sister-to-Sister, Inc. wishes all members a Happy Juneteenth and invites you to check out this blog from Black-owned apparel brand SMK3, which summarizes Juneteenth’s origin (name and historical event), national holiday, celebration and tribute. While you are there, check out the apparel! And be sure to check your local listings for Juneteenth events and join a celebration. Most important this month and every month - support Black business! Buy Black. Eat Black.

We Applaud May 29, 2022, Sister Gathering! 

     Sister-to-Sister, Inc. would like to thank Sister Gloria Montgomery for hosting a space for us to share our stories last month. This thought-provoking afternoon of storytelling was one that will be long remembered. The gathering was filled with enlightening and powerful stories that often go unknown! Although Sisters' stories were those that can help Black youth, those of us participating can agree that many of them help both the young and young-at-heart! 

~ SAVE THE DATE~

 JUNE SISTER-TO-SISTER, INC.

“IN-PERSON” GATHERING

    Please mark your calendar for the June Sister gathering set for Sunday, June 26, 2022, a potluck affair hosted by Sister Velveta Golightly-Howell. Our special guest speaker is Dr. Joycelyn C. Tubbs, Au.D, acclaimed audiologist and author. During this in-person gathering, Sister Jocelyn’s presentation will also be broadcasted, via zoom. 

     For our potluck-style meal, Sister Velveta will provide paperware, plastic ware, drinks, and a meat. Sisters are asked to bring an appetizer, meat, side dish, salad, or dessert to share. If you’re planning to attend, please RSVP (i.e., reply “yes”) to velveta.howell.sister.to.sister@gmail. You will receive related logistical info, including the address for the gathering and a contact telephone number, upon your confirmation of attendance. We invite you to bring/invite a Sister friend and include her name when completing your RSVP.

Sister-to-Sister, Inc. congratulates 2022 Youth Recognition Award Recipient Mariah Alexis Hilliard,

on her graduation from high school!

     Mariah Alexis Hilliard is the daughter of Roderick and Sister Nicole Hilliard. Mariah, a member of the Jack and Jill of America Denver Chapter for 8 years, co-founded the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Jr chapter at her high school. When she was not leading her basketball team to multiple State Championships, she actively served her community through the Project Night All Stars and Marine Nunn Education Fund non-profit organizations. She is also the proud recipient of the prestigious "Global Seal of Biliteracy Award," an international credential that recognizes language proficiency in two or more languages. Fluent in Spanish [and English], Mariah's long-term career goal is to become an engineering exploration geologist. This Valor Christian honor student graduate plans to major in Engineering at Purdue University.

     Congratulations Mariah on your impressive accomplishments! We wish you much success at Purdue University and beyond!

“People of color have long endured the fatal consequences of racial health disparities.”

—James Blue, Head of Smithsonian Channel

THE COLOR OF CARE

     In an article from the American Bar Association (ABA) on Implicit Bias and Racial Disparities in Healthcare, the question is asked: “Why are Black people sicker, and why do they die earlier, than other racial groups?” The ABA declares that while there are many factors that contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality among Black people, one undeniable fact remains constant - Black people simply are not receiving the same quality of health care that their white counterparts receive, and this second-rate health care is shortening their lives.

     Similar to #BlackLivesMatter, a symbolism of racial justice and equality, the fight to remove systemic inequities in #BlackHealthCare within the U.S. healthcare system is not a new movement. Nonetheless, this topic has garnered global attention in recent years as the U.S. healthcare system continues to be exposed for not providing adequate care to people of color. As reported by the ABA, complaints and studies from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) shows that providers are less likely to deliver effective treatments to people of color when compared to their white counterparts. In light of growing concerns, Smithsonian Channel has produced an original documentary The Color of Care, executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, which chronicles how people of color suffer from systemically substandard healthcare in the United States and how COVID-19 exposed the tragic consequences of these inequities.

     We urge you to watch the documentary, read the article, and book recommendation below. Each details the disproportionate lack of care that Black patients receive in hospitals, in comparison to their white counterparts, and the tragic fatal consequence of this disparity.

* Book available online for purchase at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, a Black-owned bookstore

Best Skin Care Tips For Aging Black Skin by Buttah

We’ve all heard the phrase “Black Don’t Crack.” While we generally agree with this, it’s more appropriate to add a footnote to the statement that reads “Black Won’t Crack (if you take care of it).” Melanin rich skin has different needs as it gains more experience. In your 20s, you probably hated that your skin would become oily minutes after having washed your face. Now, you may find that your skin feels tight and dry when you wake up in the morning. Click here to read a list compiled by Buttah, a Black-owned skincare brand, of the top 3 best skincare tips and products for aging African American skin to ensure you continue to age backwards.

…and check out this list of 28 Black-Owned Skincare Brands to Shop Year-Round

By Tiffany Dodson | Bazaar

How Stress Can Make Your Life Better by Sandra Thébaud, Ph.D.

When most people think of stress, they think of it as something that they would like to eliminate from their lives. They think of stress as something that makes their lives worse rather than better. They believe that eliminating stress from their lives is what would improve their lives. Not many people think having stress could make their lives better. So how can stress make your life better? Click below to learn what stress can teach you and how it can make life better!

6 Ways to Eat More Greens by Teri Sewell Huff

Dear Sisters, let us be the ones writing new templates for what it means to be healthy, wealthy and wise! 

From the high fiber content to the long list of micronutrients, leafy greens are staples in a healthy diet. We all know that leafy greens are good for us, but it can be challenging to eat enough of them in a day. The same old salad can get bland quickly, but there are plenty of other ways to incorporate leafy greens into your diet. Here are some tips and tricks for eating more leafy greens. I encourage my clients to eat leafy greens every day and at every meal. Eat Real, whole Food / The less altered and manipulated the better. 

Keep reading for to learn 6 Ways to Eat More Greens 

Follow Teri on Facebook 

Follow Teri on Instagram

THIS. IS. HUGE!!! A BLACK OWNED GROCERY STORE!!!

Melody Market Located at 2590 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80205 is, to our knowledge, the only Black owned grocery store in Colorado! Stop by and check it out!

Juneteenth Music Festival (Denver, CO), June 17-19, 2022

This historic street festival returns to the Five Points neighborhood, June 17-19, with live performances, art, vendors and fun for the entire family. Don’t miss the interactive and educational programming at acclaimed African American cultural institutions and landmarks.

Looking for an evening to step out and enjoy some music, join Sister Pat Duncan, promotor of IJABA Music Series, at an upcoming event at The Soiled Dove located in Denver, CO.

PLEASE DONATE

     Sister-to-Sister, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (TAX-ID 85-1053563), is an alliance of Black women dedicated to enhancing Sisters’ lives and resilience through comradery, connectivity, education and nurturing in enriching safe spaces. Your support will impact, enhance, and enrich the lives of Black females around the globe. Any amount is welcomed.

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL UPDATE

     At its May 2022 meeting, the Sister-to-Sister, Inc. Board of Directors voted in favor of instituting a new membership fee structure to welcome students and supporting members. More information will be available on Sister-to-Sister, Inc.’s website later this month.