Roe v. Wade was officially overturned by the Supreme Court on June 24, 2022. Since the court’s decision, controversies and misinformation have spread through the media. Misinformation has caused further division within different communities. 

There are a few falsifications that can be dismissed by fact.

One “myth” is that the Roe v. Wade overruling ends abortion completely. This is not correct. The court decision to overrule was purely constitutional, in that it legally gives abortion decisions back to the states. Different state populations will be able to vote on abortion (like Kansas) or choose officials who will vote on laws, making decisions which reflect the voting population of its state. 

It is crucial to acknowledge, however, that state restrictions on traveling for abortion are currently up in the air, considering different legal decisions protecting this travel could also be revisited. Some states have previously attempted to restrict and ban abortion-related travel. This is a serious concern some have for the future.

For those that do have the option to travel to receive an abortion, cost is a difficult factor.

Another misconception about abortion circulating Twitter and other media sources is that “under pro-life laws, women who have ectopic [and miscarriage] pregnancies can’t get care.” This is also incorrect.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a “fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube”. The fallopian tube can’t expand like the uterus, so the egg will not be able to grow and develop. Eventually, the egg will die. According to the medical community, ectopic pregnancy is not abortion; it will not survive naturally.

Miscarriages will also continue to be treated. Different states have released how their laws will define these pregnancy situations. The court decision does not mention anything about prohibiting miscarriage treatment.

Another misconception heavily prevalent in the media is that all pro-life activists align with the Republican Party. This is not true. Any person can be aligned with any political party and still have “non conforming” or “conflicting” views. For example, Democrats for Life of America is an organization supporting just that: Democratic pro-life citizens. Additionally, anyone politically independent, centrist, or neutral can always have a specific belief that “leans” one way or the other.

It is important to separate social issues from political issues.

Vox writer Patrick Day expressed how frustrating it is to feel like the only progressive pro-life advocate. According to Day, “being progressive and being pro-life are one and the same”.

Misinformation can be easily spread from person to person as well as through the media. Research is key — make sure to find reputable, unbiased, and fact-based sources when spreading information you find.