Friday , June 24 – Women everywhere celebrated on the 23^rd the 50^th Anniversary of Title IX, the civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funds, to turn around and take 10 steps backward with the Supreme Justice decision to overturn Roe V Wade and ending federal constitutional protection of the right to an abortion.

YWCA Wheeling has been considered a champion of women and their rights since 1906 and the right to an abortion has affirmed for almost half a century that women who experience pregnancy should have agency over their bodies and their futures.

       This decision will have devastating consequences for young women, but especially victims of domestic violence who experience forms of control that impact reproductive choice. Access to safe, affordable and accessible abortion care has given young women the opportunity to invest in their education, training, vocations and careers. Without this access, the trajectory of these women’s futures will be limited, and the consequences will be felt by them, their families and communities.

       “This threat to reproductive healthcare is a threat to gender and racial justice. We cannot be silent when this core tenet of our mission is attacked,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling. “Being able to decide if and when to have children has been and should remain a constitutional right.”

      The YWCA Wheeling will continue to stand with women and all those this news effects, and uphold the mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.