As we've all heard by now, there was a leak of a draft majority opinion from the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. This potential move is extraordinary as it eliminates a constitutional right put in place for half a century.
And did you know that May is AAPI Month?
In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and the contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, completed May 10, 1869. In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a monthlong celebration that is now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
At the intersection of the leak on May 2, I can't help but wonder how overturning Roe vs. Wade will impact the AAPI community. Asian American and Pacific Islander women working full-time are typically paid, on average, 85 cents for every dollar paid to their white male counterparts. However, data from 2015 to 2019 reveals that many AAPI women experience much larger wage gaps, particularly Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander women.
We know that abortion access is already difficult for AAPI women. The cultural stigma and shame that comes with talking about abortion, let alone getting one, is compounded with significant language and economic barriers that can make accessing abortion care a terrifying experience.
To advocate for Asian Americans across the spectrum, we need to understand how this potential overturn can negatively impact the most vulnerable in our communities. AAPI Month is about celebrating all that is beautiful in our cultures but should also spark conversations about uplifting and standing up for inequities.
Here are resources that I find interesting, thought-provoking, and ones we can support in our progress towards equity. What are your thoughts on this?
Your friend,
Lena
RESOURCES:
https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/
https://www.thecut.com/article/donate-abortion-fund-roe-v-wade-how-to-help.html