The End of Roe v. Wade -- and What Comes Next | Kathryn Kolbert | TED

The speaker, a legal expert with experience arguing abortion cases before the Supreme Court, including the pivotal Planned Parenthood v. Casey, predicts a grim future for abortion rights. They assert that Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that established the constitutional right to abortion, will likely be overturned within a year, leaving the right to choose unprotected by the U.S. Constitution. The speaker suggests that the court will either overrule or effectively nullify the precedents set by Roe and Casey, leading to the loss of reproductive freedom at the federal level.

Despite the bleak outlook for abortion rights, the speaker offers a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of collective action to preserve reproductive freedoms. They argue for the right of all individuals to make decisions about parenthood, including social supports necessary to raise children with dignity and safety. The speaker debunks common arguments against abortion, such as religious beliefs, fetal rights, and women's health, pointing out the inconsistencies and the real motives behind anti-abortion movements, which they believe are rooted in controlling women and restricting their societal participation.

The speaker draws on their experience and knowledge to explain why they believe the Supreme Court will take the radical step of overturning Roe and Casey. They highlight the significance of having five justices in agreement, using a reference to 'Sesame Street' to underscore the importance of counting to five for a majority decision. The speaker recounts the history of the Casey decision and how it allowed states to impose barriers to abortion, leading to the current situation where abortion access is increasingly limited. They also discuss the impact of recent anti-abortion legislation in Texas and Mississippi, and the likelihood that the Supreme Court will uphold these restrictive laws.

In response to the anticipated overturning of Roe and Casey, the speaker proposes new strategies to protect reproductive rights. They call for the building of a strong social justice movement and the importance of electing legislators who support reproductive health at all levels of government. The speaker envisions a world where reproductive freedoms are realized through policies such as universal childcare, paid parental leave, and programs to address maternal mortality and systemic racism in healthcare. They also advocate for over-the-counter birth control, comprehensive sex education, and the removal of barriers to abortion access, including medication abortion being available without a prescription.

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the necessity of political activism to ensure that reproductive rights are safeguarded in law and the Constitution. They argue for the election of pro-choice candidates to all levels of government and the potential for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing gender equity, which would protect the rights to make decisions about abortion, pregnancy, marriage, sexuality, and parenting. The speaker inspires the audience to take action, from voting to running for office, to preserve and extend reproductive freedoms for current and future generations.