In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court made the historic Dobbs decision, overturning the long-standing precedent set by Roe v. Wade. This decision marked a significant victory for the anti-abortion movement, which had been working towards this goal for many years. A new book titled “The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America” by Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer delves into the decade leading up to the Dobbs decision, exploring the political landscape that paved the way for this monumental shift.
Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer, both reporters for The New York Times, recently discussed their book on Texas Standard. They shared insights into their motivations for writing about this topic and the extensive investigative work that went into the book. Through over 300 interviews with individuals at all levels of society, the authors were able to construct a comprehensive history of the decline of Roe v. Wade.
The book follows key figures in the anti-abortion movement, such as Marjorie Dannenfelser, who played a significant role in strategizing to overturn Roe. The authors also highlight the efforts of Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood, who had been warning about threats to Roe for years.
The authors emphasize that the erosion of Roe v. Wade was not a sudden event but rather a gradual process that spanned over five decades. However, the pace of efforts to dismantle Roe intensified in the final decade leading up to the Dobbs decision. The election of former President Donald Trump in 2016 and subsequent judicial nominations played a crucial role in tipping the scales against Roe.
Looking towards the future, the authors discuss the shifting political landscape and the challenges faced by both reproductive rights supporters and opponents. While the anti-abortion movement has capitalized on the fall of Roe, the authors note the lack of a clear strategy among reproductive rights advocates to regain ground. The debate over reproductive rights is expected to continue, with efforts to codify abortion rights at the state level gaining traction.
In conclusion, “The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America” offers a comprehensive look at the factors that led to the decline of Roe v. Wade and the implications for the future of reproductive rights in America. The book will be featured at the Texas Book Festival in Austin, providing an opportunity for further discussion on this critical issue.
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