Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly attributed Mifepristone accessibility to Texans as a means to perform an abortion in the state. Texas law bans abortion in all forms.

In 1973, the United States Supreme Court made a historic ruling in the case of Roe v. Wade, which decriminalized abortion. This ruling protected women and gave them the choice to access a safe and legal abortion. Now, 50 years later, we are back to square one. As the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade is upon us, we are reminded of the disappointing decision that was made in 2022, one that has irrevocably altered the state of women’s rights. The overturning of Roe v. Wade was a violent act against women and their autonomy, and on this anniversary, women are speaking up about it. 

Women’s marches are taking place nationwide to express their concern about the controversial decision. In San Antonio, activists organized a pro-choice rally at the federal courthouse to mourn the loss of Roe v. Wade. While it is saddening that so many women need to fight for basic reproductive rights, it is also empowering to know that women will not surrender themselves to the discriminatory agenda of white male government officials. There are already measures in the healthcare system that mitigate those decisions.

Mifepristone, a drug available to Texans out-of-state, is available through retail services such as CVS and Walgreens. These stores must have a prescription from a patient’s healthcare provider and the patient would need to meet certain criteria. Mifepristone is legal in the state of Texas. The drug’s main intention is to treat type 2 diabetes in relation to Cushing’s Syndrome according to PubMed, but one of its potential side effects is a possible medically induced abortion if it is ingested while pregnant. This is just one example of the flaws with the abortion ban pioneered by Governor Greg Abbott. 

What women need now is action, solidarity and safety. While the pills are a very small step in the right direction, we cannot stop there. We must push and advocate for more equality and start making more demands. The overturning of Roe v. Wade was a massive setback for the abortion rights movement, but the solidarity shown on this 50th anniversary is inspiring. The movement is alive and well and will continue to fight for the reproductive rights of women across the nation.