Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Social Issues: Women

Blog post: Black History Month – Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement
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Written by Susanne Urbina

Each February, Canadians celebrate Black History Month in recognition of the achievements, contributions and struggles of Black people in Canada and their communities.

This year’s theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”. Throughout this month, we acknowledge the diversity of Black Canadians, Black leadership importance and the legacy being established for future Black generations. For over 400 years, Black Canadians have a been a part of our nation’s narrative.

In 1604, Mathieu Da Costa was the first person of African heritage to arrive with French explorers to what is now Canada. He spoke 5 languages and was instrumental in communicating with the Mik’maq people encountered by the Europeans.

During the mid-to-late 1700’s, most Africans brought to Canada’s east coast were enslaved by English or American settlers, although there were some free Black persons living in the area.

Throughout the 1800’s, many Black communities were established across Canada because of war. Approximately 30,000Black people entered Canada by means of the Underground Railroad. This secret network of routes and hidden shelters allowed enslaved Africans to escape. Nova Scotia’s Black communities were also reinvigorated during and after the War of 1812.

Slavery was abolished in most British colonies and Canada, in 1833 through the “Act on the Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire.”

In 1879, many Black farming communities in the American mid-west who were experiencing inequality and fearing the rise in Ku Klux Klan lynchings, migrated to Alberta.

After Confederation and moving into the 1900’s, more Black communities were founded as immigration policies were reformed. Our civil rights movement was initiated after Viola Desmond, a Halifax businesswoman, reacted to racism, like Rosa Parks’ story. Viola refused to move from her seat in a Roseland theatre, in a “whites-only” section.

Further into the mid-century, the color barrier was broken in the National Hockey League (NHL) when Willie O’Ree from New Brunswick, was drafted to the Boston Bruins, the first Black player to play in the NHL. Our federal government saw the first Black Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, Lincoln Alexander, who was elected in 1968.

Within the last couple of decades, we have seen Black activism and more intersectional identities emerge for racial justice and celebrations of Black history, Black resilience and Black presence in Canada. Serving as the Governor General of Canada from 2005 to 2010, Michaelle Jean’s appointment was historic, as the first Black person to hold this position in Canada. Honorable Greg Fergus was elected as the 38th speaker of the House of Commons, in 2023. These 21st century events are proof of the movement to acknowledge, preserve, and celebrate the diverse contributions of Black Canadians.

The following article retells the Rosa Parks story. As we celebrate Black History Month, one can become more aware and understanding of this rich heritage through stories and events.

Reference

Government of Canada, (2025-01-31).
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

Written by Shahina Hanif, ESPC volunteer

What can a single woman do to change history? While there are few instances of revolutions being credited to women of color, Rosa Parks stands out as a pivotal figure. Her courageous act of refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in the mid-1950s, became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement, paving the way for the African American community (Badertscher, 2005).

Her name resonates with the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom. On December 1^st, 1955, Rosa Parks, refused to give her seat in the “colored” section of a city bus, at a white man’s command, when the seats in the “white only” section was filled up at (Badertscher, 2005). The bus driver had Parks arrested for “disorderly conduct” (Badertscher, 2005), which sent the African American community into a state of indignation.

This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a fundamental event that lasted over a year and led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional (Badertscher, 2005). Rosa Parks’ bravery and the subsequent boycott galvanized the civil rights movement, inspiring countless individuals to stand up against racial injustice.

Rosa Parks’ legacy is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of systemic oppression. Her story reminds us that one person’s courage can ignite a movement and bring about profound change. Today, her name continues to inspire those who fight for equality and justice, proving that the actions of a single person, regardless of their background, can indeed change the course of history.

Upon reflection on Rosa Parks’ legacy, one is reminded of the power of individual courage, and the impact one person can have on the world. Her story inspires us to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. At a time when segregation laws were strictly enforced and racial discrimination was rampant, Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat was not just an act of defiance but a bold statement against an unjust system.

Rosa Parks once said, “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people would be also free” (Marie Claire, n.d.). Her words continue to resonate with those who fight for justice and equality. As we honor Rosa Parks’ legacy, let us also commit to standing up against injustice in our own communities.

Rosa Park’s Day is celebrated in several states on February 4^th, her birthday. Other states celebrate her on December 1^st, which is the day she was arrested for her activism. Her story sets the tone for the month of February as we recognize “Black History” month.

Rosa Parks’ legacy can inspire people in our city, Edmonton, to address and combat various forms of inequality. Here are some specific ways her story can resonate and motivate action within our community:
- Rosa Parks’ defiance can inspire Edmontonians to address income inequality by advocating for fair wages, supporting marginalized businesses, and pushing for equitable economic policies (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
- Her courage reminds us to stand up for Indigenous rights by promoting culture, advocating for better access to services, and addressing systemic issues like over-policing (CBC News, 2021).
- Parks’ legacy highlights the need to challenge racial discrimination through anti-racism training, supporting inclusive policies, and speaking out against microaggressions (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
- Inspired by Parks, Edmontonians can volunteer, join advocacy groups, and engage with local government to address inequality (CBC News, 2021).
- Her story encourages education on inequality, reading works by Black and Indigenous authors, and promoting awareness through community events (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
By drawing inspiration from Rosa Parks’ bravery and commitment to justice, individuals in Edmonton can take meaningful actions to address and reduce inequality in their own community. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can lead to significant change.

Rosa Parks, seated on the bus where her act of defiance became a symbol of resistance and change. Image from, “Rosa Parks” by Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

References

Badertscher, E. (2005). Rosa Parks. Great Neck Publishing.

Britannica. (n.d.). Rosa Parks. In Britannica. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from
https://www.britannica.com/event/Montgomery-bus-boycott

CBC News. (2021, April 7). Edmonton city council votes to reallocate police funding to community safety programs. CBC News. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/city-council-policing-1.5971499

Edmonton Social Planning Council. (2020, June 5). Statement on the impact of systemic racism on income inequality and low-income households in Edmonton. Edmonton Social Planning Council. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/2020/06/05/statement-on-the-impact-of-systemic-racism-on-income-inequality-and-low-income-households-in-edmonton/

Marie Claire. (n.d.). Remembering Rosa Parks: 8 Of Her Most Inspiring Quotes. Marie Claire. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/remembering-rosa-parks-her-most-inspiring-quotes-29143
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February 7, 2025
Edmonton’s Living Wage 2024

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Executive Summary

A living wage is rooted in the belief that individuals and families should not just survive, but live with dignity and participate in their community. Differing from the minimum wage, a living wage carefully considers common expenses people pay to live and the wage necessary to cover these expenses for themselves and/or their families and to reach basic financial security.

It is a calculation of the hourly rate at which a household can meet a modest standard of living, once government transfers have been added to the household’s income and deductions have been subtracted.

In 2024, the living wage is $20.85, a decrease of $1.40 from the previous year.

While inflation has increased significantly over the past year, expenses for the living wage reference families have gone down. The largest decreases this year were seen in clothing and footwear, due to changes in shopping patterns, and childcare, due to the gradual implementation of $10/day childcare. At the same time, the reference living wage families saw an increase in government benefits they are eligible for. These trends worked together to lower the living wage.
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New report suggests Alberta’s living wage is higher than the minimum wage

630 CHED Afternoons with J’lyn Nye

Guest: Susan Morrissey, Executive Director, Edmonton Social Planning Council
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November 18, 2024
Blog post: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): The Need to Build More Awareness and Support
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Written by Brett Lambert, ESPC Research Officer

Did you know that 1 in 25 people (4%) in Canada live with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? This translates to 1.5 million people (Flannigan, Unsworth, and Harding, 2018). That means it is possible to have one student in every classroom who lives with FASD. FASD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in North America. It impacts more people in Canada than autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined. These numbers are considered a conservative estimate, and it is possible the rate of prevalence could be even higher because diagnosis can be challenging.

The month of September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, which aims to bring about more understanding of a commonly known but not very well understood disorder that affects more people than the general public might think.

In an effort to help further this awareness and bring about more understanding, the Edmonton Social Planning Council recently hosted a Lunch & Learn event on September 17 on this very topic where Brittany Durant, Program Manager for FASD Programs from Catholic Social Services spoke at length about FASD and how to better support individuals who live with the disorder.

FASD is defined as the impact on the brain and body of individuals who were prenatally exposed to alcohol as a fetus while in the womb of a pregnant person. It is a lifelong disability and persons who have the disorder experience some degree of challenges in their daily living and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Since the disorder exists on a spectrum, the manifestations of FASD can be unique to each individual and can present differently for each person (CanFASD, n.d.-a).

The impact of prenatal alcohol exposure can also influenced by a number of factors, which includes the age of the pregnant person, the amount of alcohol consumed, pattern and timing of alcohol exposure, general health and nutrition of the pregnant person, the level of stress or trauma of the pregnant person, whether the pregnant person also smoked or used other drugs, and the genetics of the parents’ and epigenetic changes (Guerri et al., 2009).

Although the disorder is considered a life-long disability and there is no “cure,” individuals with FASD can still live successful lives with access to the appropriate level of support and services.

Barriers to Supports for Persons with FASD

Although the potential to lead a thriving and successful life is possible for individuals with FASD, the sad reality is that too many lack access to consistent systematic supports. As a result, this means that 90% of individuals with FASD will experience mental health issues and they are 20 times more likely to struggle with substance use than the general population (CanFASD, n.d.-b).

They are also at risk of experiencing homelessness, which could range from hidden homelessness like couch surfing or more visible homelessness like sleeping rough on the streets (Poth et al., 2018).

Persons with FASD can experience memory and cognitive challenges that can make tasks like paying rent on time difficult or can impact their ability to properly perform tasks at a job. This can make finding a place to stay a challenge too.

Landlords who do not understand the disorder may hold negative stereotypes and not want to rent to people with FASD. These issues are compounded for individuals who receive disability payment as their primary source of income as they have systemically been denied housing. (Bibr et al., 2024).

According to the Canada FASD Research Network, 80% of youth and young adults with FASD have had difficulty with sustaining independent housing. In addition, many housing models do not take into account the experiences of those with FASD and have limited capacity through staff training and resources to address FASD support and needs (Bibr et al, 2024).

More Government Action is Needed

Governments need to take more action to give FASD the recognition it deserves so that more robust support is in place.

In the Canadian Senate, Bill S-253 would put forward a National FASD Framework that seeks to establish a systemic and coordinated effort to address proper support for FASD. Current supports are scattered and inconsistent across Canada and the bill would establish a development plan for a framework that would address that. In addition to consulting caregivers, self-advocates, and representatives of provincial and territorial governments, the bill also seeks to address the training needs of professionals working with people with FASD, which would be an important step forward for improving the lives of individuals with FASD (CanFASD, n.d.-c).

Change Also Begins at the Individual Level

Just as governments need to lay the foundation for better support of persons with FASD, change also needs to happen at the individual level. Promoting a better understanding, awareness, and acceptance will help build a society where more people get diagnosed and receive the supports necessary to thrive.

While supports for individuals currently living with FASD is important, education on prevention is also important. Making sure expectant parents know that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is necessary. In addition, people also need to be mindful about alcohol consumption in the period leading up to pregnancy. Since 61% of all pregnancies are unplanned, responsible alcohol use in the lead-up to pregnancy also needs to be considered.

References

Bibr, C.O., J. Pei, K.D. Harding (2024). People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder face a heightened risk of homelessness. https://theconversation.com/people-with-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-face-a-heightened-risk-of-homelessness-237846

CanFASD [n.d.-a]. Basic Information. https://canfasd.ca/topics/basic-information/

CanFASD [n.a.-b]. What is FASD? https://canfasd.ca/what-is-fasd/

CanFASD [n.d.-c]. National FASD Framework. https://canfasd.ca/national-fasd-framework/

Flannigan, K., K. Unsworth, and K. Harding (2018). The Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. https://canfasd.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications/Prevalence-1-Issue-Paper-FINAL.pdf

Guerri, C., A. Bazinet, and E.P. Riley (2009). Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and alterations in brain and behaviour. Alcohol Alcohol, 2009. 44(2): p. 108 – 114.

Poth, C-A, E. Carlson, J. Pei, V. Joly (2018). Creating Intersections: A Systematic and Person-Centered Harmonizing Framework for Housing Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. https://homelesshub.ca/resource/creating-intersections-systematic-and-person-centered-harmonizing-framework-housing-individuals-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder/
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September 25, 2024
Community Matters (June 2023) — Justice and its Impacts on Marginalized Communities

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Note: This is excerpted from the June 2023 edition of our Community Matters publication.

Welcome to the Summer Edition of our quarterly publication, Community Matters.

Community Matters aims to inform the community about social issues that impact citizens and connect the dots between social issues, evidence, and policy. We aim to use this space to give local agencies, ESPC volunteer writers, and staff members a voice.

Each edition will spotlight a specific social issue and demonstrate the intersectional nature and impact on equality. Our goal is to use evidence as we continue to inform on the issues affecting individuals and families.

For our Summer 2023 issue, we are focusing on Justice. The justice system was an institution designed to bring about law and order in ways that have benefited white male property holders at the expense of almost everyone else; as a result, the way justice is wielded has shortcomings in matters of equity. For example, while Indigenous Peoples make up roughly 5% of the Canadian population, Indigenous people represented 32% of those in federal prisons in 2020-21. This disparity is a product of a colonial system that has harmed Indigenous Peoples for generations and continues to the present day, which the justice system has played a role in upholding.

While criminal laws are passed and enforced to address violence or disorder, they have also contributed to the further marginalization of various equity-seeking groups, particularly those who live in poverty and low income. One negative interaction with the justice system can further entrap someone already stuck in the cycle of poverty.

This issue seeks to critically examine the myriad ways the justice system affects many marginalized populations and how the situation can be ameliorated. Not all laws and the way they are enforced guarantee justice for all. In fact, many laws create injustice when they go against the public interest. Reforms will be needed in order to ensure a system that is truly just and equitable.

Whether that is looking at our current drug policies, the reporting of hate crimes, incarcerated person’s access to health care, or the negative impacts our current laws have on sex workers, we hope the articles inside will elevate the conversation.

– Susan Morrissey, Executive Director
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Community Matters – June 2023 (Click on image)
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June 5, 2023
Blog: Roe v. Wade and the disproportionate implications for Black women in the United States
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By Jenna Robinson

The recent overruling of Roe v. Wade by the United States Supreme Court presents serious challenges for folks in need of abortions and for reproductive rights in general. It is critical that conversations and discussions remain inclusive as this decision not only affects women, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community may experience extensive harm as a result of this ruling.

There are important distinctions in abortion and healthcare access among women and marginalized groups. Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous (Native American) Peoples will be disproportionately affected by this overruling which was decided predominantly by white people. This blog post will analyze the devastating effect it will have on Black women in the United States.

When exploring issues such as this, it is important to amplify and prioritize Black voices. The writer of this blog post is a white settler residing in Amiskwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton) and references primarily Black voices. When researching this topic on your own, we encourage you to center marginalized voices.

This blog post is the third installment of a series that discusses what the overruling of Roe v. Wade means, who will be disproportionately impacted, and what abortion and reproductive access is like in Alberta. To read the first two blog posts, click here.

Poverty and Healthcare Access among Black Women

Experiences of poverty originate from and are reinforced by experiences of racism, sexism, and other systemic inequalities. Black women are disproportionately affected by poverty in the United States (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018). In 2013, 25.7% of Black women over the age of 18 reported living below the poverty line, causing this population to have the second highest poverty rate among racial and ethnic groups in the country (Status of Women in the States, n.d.). Indigenous (Native American) women were ranked highest, with 28.1% of women over the age of 18 living below the poverty line. Black women on average make 63 cents for every dollar a white man makes in the United States (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018). The correlation between wage and experiences of poverty among Black women (in addition to many other barriers) affects the money and resources they can dedicate to childcare, food, and healthcare (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018).

Black women and other marginalized populations generally receive a lower quality of care from healthcare institutions due to systemic and institutionalized racism. This directly impacts their health and morbidity rates. “Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women” (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018). Health conditions such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, abruptio placentae, placenta previa, and postpartum hemorrhage account for 26% of pregnancy related mortality in the United States (Tucker, Berg, Callaghan & Hsai, 2007). While white women experience similar rates of pregnancy related health conditions, Black women are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from them. There is a clear discrepancy in access to, and treatment within, healthcare systems for Black women.

Due to the systemic and institutionalized barriers, abortion rates for Black women have been and will continue to be affected. Roughly 40% of women who access abortions in the United States are Black and they account for the highest percentage of people who access safe abortions (Lenzen, 2022). As a result, they will be among the most affected by the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Implications of Roe v. Wade for Black Women

The overturning of Roe v. Wade will exacerbate the systemic barriers that influence healthcare access, particularly the access to safe abortion. Maya Richard-Craven (2022) states that the “[lack] of access to a safe abortion is another means of control in a long list of ways that Black women have been suppressed.”

Since individual states now have the authority to ban abortion, and many have already started, people will have to travel out of state to areas where abortion is still legal and safe, assuming they have the means to do so. However, the higher and disproportionate rates of poverty among Black women will reinforce systemic barriers and create an even greater lack of access due to having less financial and emotional support that can be used towards travel for a safe abortion. This does not mean abortions will stop in states who ban abortion, it means safe abortions will stop. Those in need of an abortion, who cannot afford to travel, may turn to dangerous, life-threatening alternatives. Legalizing abortion and making it accessible allows those seeking to terminate a pregnancy, an option that promotes their safety and wellbeing.

Many of those who support the overturning of Roe v. Wade argue that they value all human life and that they do not want anyone dying. A common response made by pro-choice advocates is that this ruling is simply another tool used to control bodies. Intersectional scholars and critics are expanding on this conversation to better encapsulate what is actually occurring; Dr. Melina Abdullah, the cofounder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, argues that this overruling is “a pro-poverty agenda, a racist agenda, a sexist, patriarchal and misogynistic agenda, a control agenda – an agenda that feeds the criminal system of injustice” (Richard-Craven, 2022). This decision has implications beyond abortion and causes threats to other Supreme Court rulings that impact marginalized communities. Rulings such as Griswold v. Connecticut, Lawrence v. Texas, and Obergefell v. Hodges, legalized same-sex marriage and relationships, as well as contraception. In short, analyzing Roe v. Wade through an intersectional lens helps identify the devastating impacts and unique experiences it has on many marginalized communities in society.

We encourage you to continue the conversation and to engage in materials to help guide these discussions. Please see some of the resources listed below.

Resources by Black Authors
- Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor (February, 2022). How Black Feminists Defined Abortion Rights https://www.newyorker.com/news/essay/how-black-feminists-defined-abortion-rights.
- Lyons, S. (July, 2022). “Roe v. Wade Has Been Overturned — And Black Women Will Be Most Impacted” https://www.okayplayer.com/news/how-will-overturning-roe-v-wade-affect-black-women.html
Roe v. Wade’s Impact on the LGBTQIA2S+ Community
- Corbett, H. (June, 2022). “Representation Matters: The Impact Of Overturning Roe V. Wade On LGBTQ Rights” https://www.forbes.com/sites/hollycorbett/2022/06/28/representation-matters-the-impact-of-overturning-roe-v-wade-on-lgbtq-rights/?sh=52cd5060155a
- Gonzales, M. (June, 2022).“Roe v. Wade Overturned. Could LGBTQ Rights Be Next?” https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/roe-v-wade-overturned-could-lgbtq-rights-be-next.aspx
References

Status of Women in the States. (n.d.). “Poverty and Opportunity Full Section”. https://statusofwomendata.org/explore-the-data/poverty-opportunity/poverty-and-opportunity-full-section/#pofig4.4.

National Partnership for Women and Families. (2018). “Black Women’s Maternal Health: A Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Persistent and Dire Health Disparities”. https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/reports/black-womens-maternal-health.html.

Tucker, M. J. & Berg, C. J. & Callaghan, W. M. & Hsia, J. (2007). The Black-White Disparity in Pregnancy-Related Mortality From 5 Conditions: Differences in Prevalence and Case-Fatality Rates. American Jounral of Public Health, 97:2 (247-251).

Lenzen, C. (June, 2022). “Facing higher teen pregnancy and maternal mortality rates, Black women will largely bear the brunt of abortion limits”. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2022/06/30/texas-abortion-black-women/.

Craven-Richard, M. (July 2, 2022). “Roe v. Wade Has Higher Stakes for Black Women”. The Magazine fo the Sierra Club. https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/roe-v-wade-has-higher-stakes-for-black-women

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July 11, 2022
Blog: The Impacts of the Overturning of Roe v. Wade on Individuals Experiencing Poverty

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By Mariska Konnik

On June 24th, 2022, the United States Supreme Court ruled to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that provided constitutional access to abortion across America for nearly 50 years. This landmark decision will limit the access to abortion substantially as it gives individual states the power to implement laws that restrict or ban access, as well as create consequences for medical experts providing the procedure such as confiscated licenses or incarceration. (1) This event is likely to substantially shift the landscape regarding reproductive rights, causing a significant impact on women, girls/youths, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals, especially those experiencing poverty.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade resulted in the court ruling 6-3 to uphold a Republican-based Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. (1) Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan heavily criticized the decisions of the majority, closing their statements by stating, “with sorrow – for this Court, but more, for the many millions of American women who have today lost a fundamental constitutional protection – we dissent.” (2) In 1973, the original Roe v. Wade ruling established that an individual’s decision to have an abortion was protected under rights that stem from the U.S. Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment which outlines the protection of a citizen’s right to “life, liberty and property.” (1)

The impact of this decision is set to have substantial impacts on the rights of many individuals within the United States, with many already being seen just days after the announcement. President Joe Biden, in response to the decision, stated “the health and life of women in this nation are now at risk… The court has done what it’s never done before, expressly take away a constitutional right that is so fundamental to so many Americans that had already been recognized. The court’s decision to do so will have real and immediate consequences.” (2) This is already being seen as many abortion clinics in the states with “trigger laws” regarding abortion have promptly stopped administering them as they assess what this ruling means for them. (1) The Justices opposing the overturning decision have stated how “from the very moment of fertilization, a woman has no rights to speak of,” (2) alluding to the limitations that are going to be felt by women all across America. Additionally, those same Justices spoke on the impact this decision will undeniably have on women experiencing poverty, stating “above all others, women lacking financial resources will suffer from today’s decision.” (2)

This ruling is set to have a considerable impact on women, girls/youth, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals who are experiencing poverty. This comes at a time when both the pandemic and the economy have had intense impacts on women, specifically within the workforce. The wage gap, lack of affordable childcare, and lack of paid leave for pregnancy are barriers that low-income individuals already face within society. In addition, there is the gendered expectation that pregnant individuals are expected to take on the responsibility of childcare, impacting both their living wage and their overall well-being. (3) With the limitations imposed on abortion access, women are left with little opportunity to engage in the workforce if pregnant, causing significant impacts on their lives. The Turnaway Study, conducted by Dr. Diana Foster, a professor at the University of California San Francisco, found that women who were denied an abortion were four times more likely to be living below the Federal Poverty Line. (3) Additionally, this decision is set to have an impact on the cost of healthcare, an issue that already impacts many Americans financially. Previously, health insurance coverage for abortions was already limited, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade set to further limit this to the point where there may be no coverage available. (5) Individuals living in states restricting abortion access will also face the challenge of travelling across the country to have the procedure provided to them, causing additional financial struggles through travelling costs, and the complication of out-of-state health coverage. (2,5)

This adds further complications to those who are struggling to provide for themselves and their families by removing the ability to make decisions that impact not only their wellbeing, but the potential well-being of their family. (3) Consequences of this may include children being raised in impoverished families or growing up with a lack of opportunities due to the circumstances the pregnancy occurred under. Dr. Foster’s research demonstrates that children born as a result of a denied abortion were more likely to live below the poverty line. (3) The impacts that the Roe v. Wade decision is set to have on individuals experiencing poverty is undeniable and places a further barrier to the well-being of pregnant individuals and their families.

While this landmark decision is based in the United States, it is important to think about the consequences it may have within North America, and the broader scope of the world. A statement released by Planned Parenthood Toronto explains how “every time a high-profile right-wing stunt is carried off in the US or Canada, it opens the door slightly wider here in Canada. It shifts the benchmark of what is acceptable to even debate.” (4) While there are no laws governing abortion in Canada, accessing abortion services are not a simple or easy process, and may call into question the existence of these limited services that do exist. (4)

The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is one of sincere magnitude and is likely to have an undeniable impact on women, girls/youths, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals throughout America. Going forward, there is likely to be intense discussion, debate, and protest surrounding this topic, and the decision made on June 24th, 2022 by the U.S. Supreme Court is one that will not be forgotten.

End of text reference list (chronological):

Gollom, M., & Iorfida, C. (2022, June 24). U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, leaving abortion rights up to states. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ussc-dobbs-abortion-ruling-1.6495637

de Vogue, A., Sneed, T., Duster, C., & Cole, D. (2022, June 24). Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/politics/dobbs-mississippi-supreme-court-abortion-roe-wade/index.html

Corbett, H. (2022, June 7). How Overturning Roe v. Wade Can Impact The Economy. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/hollycorbett/2022/06/07/how-overturning-roe-v-wade-can-impact-the-economy/?sh=17ece6af632f

Datta-Ray, M. (2022, June). Planned Parenthood Toronto on Roe v. Wade Press Release. Planned Parenthood Toronto. http://ppt.on.ca/planned-parenthood-toronto-on-roe-v-wade-press-release/

Nova, A. (2022, June 27). Here’s how the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision could affect health insurance coverage. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/27/supreme-court-roe-v-wade-decision-could-affect-health-insurance-coverage.html

Mariska Konnik is a recent graduate from the University of Alberta with a BA in Criminology. She has a passion for social justice and hopes to assist individuals within the Edmonton community by sharing information and resources. She hopes to become a lawyer to continue her passion for social justice.
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July 6, 2022