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Here are a few examples of how some of the national secular groups in the United States are reacting to Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization:
- American Atheists Denounces Supreme Court's Decision Ending Constitutional Right to Abortion
- FFRF blasts theocratic Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade
- Humanists Condemn Anti-Abortion Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
- Secular Student Alliance Denounces SCOTUS Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade
The ruling made news overseas too. The National Secular Society issued their own statement, "NSS deplores revocation of abortion rights in US."
I'm sure you can guess at some of the common themes expressed in these statements. I don't have much to add, but there is one thing I'd like to highlight below. Before I do that, I'd like to express how awful I feel for everyone affected by this. Your outrage is valid, and I hope we can figure out how to restore reproductive rights as soon as possible. As far as how many of us are feeling now, it doesn't matter that we all saw this coming. I thought it might, but it didn't. It sucks.
As for what I'd like to highlight, that's simple. This is about Christian extremism. I am not claiming someone can't oppose reproductive freedom without being a Christian extremist. I am claiming that the Court would not have overturned Roe v. Wade but for Christian extremism.
I am troubled that our mainstream news media is refusing to acknowledge this fact. It seems important enough to present as part of the story. Do they not think their audience can distinguish between Christianity and Christian extremism? This should be a central theme in their coverage, but it is almost absent.
As for what's next, that depends on us and how much pushing back we are ready to do. Justice Thomas was clear that the Court plans to look at other rights we take for granted. These include same-sex marriage and contraception. Coerced prayer in public schools can't be far behind.
This is why we need to acknowledge the role of Christian extremism. Without doing so, it is difficult to understand what is happening and why. They've made their agenda clear. Those who have been listening know what to expect. We've got a fight on our hands and much to lose.
