Roe V. Wade has been overturned for long enough to begin seeing the ramifications firsthand. New research is already showing the change impacts some communities more than others.
The Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center, based in Lake Andes, South Dakota, published their post-Roe report with a focus on tribal lands.
The report calls the removal of abortion protections an "attack" on tribal health care and sovereignty. It found financial implications and access to rural health care options are two of the biggest concerns facing Native abortion-seekers post-Roe.
Charon Asetoyer, CEO of the group, said nothing good comes from removing access.
“Whenever you take services away from people, the solution is to return them and to increase those health services that should be available to us," Asetoyer said. "The group in the state of South Dakota that is hurting the most are indigenous women.”
The findings echo another recent study from the Guttmacher Institute that found the overturn of Roe v. Wade disproportionately affects Indigenous communities.
Asetoyer said native people across the country should think of health care as a human right, rather than a privilege.
“We gave up so much so that we could have health care," Asetoyer said. "It is our right, our human right, our treaty right, so when they try to diminish our services they’re violating our human rights, so just remember that. Don’t be afraid to speak out and seek healthcare services of any nature.”
Though the decision was made on Roe, she reminds women the battle over abortion is not yet over.
“Time is of the essence – just remember that," Asetoyer said. "You’ve gotta work fast, but there are funds out there, there are women and groups that are willing to help you access these services.”