Last week the US Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision which rewarded the abortion right. The judgement does not directly ban the abortion in the country, but it paves the way for individual states to ban the procedure.
Already 22 states have passed trigger laws to automatically outlaw abortion, and half of the states are expected to introduce new restrictions or bans.
This, however, has created a chaotic situation in the country, especially due to the massive protests against the ruling.
Even President Joe Biden is critical about it - he described it as “a tragic error” and urged states to enact laws to allow the procedure.
But, on the other hand, vast numbers of anti-abortion activists have also started to celebrate the court’s ruling.
However, what are the views of American celebrities and public figures on this? Following are some of their thoughts on the issue, and they show us how much they are concerned about the sensitive social issues.
It’s a sad day in America - Taraji P. Henson
Actor Taraji P. Henson expressed her views on the BET Awards stage held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles: “It’s about damn time we talk about the fact that guns have more rights than a woman. It’s a sad day in America. A weapon that can take lives has more power than a woman that can give life – if she chooses to.”
At the BET Awards ceremony, actor Janelle Monae held up her middle finger toward the Supreme Court before she introduced nominees for best female R&B/pop artist. Her speech earned standing applause at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
“These artists are making art on our own terms, owning our truths and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tries to control and police our bodies, my body and our decisions, my body,” said the singer, who also paid homage to the LGBTQ+ community. “(explicit) you Supreme Court. I know we’re celebrating right now as we should. We absolutely deserve to celebrate — especially now we should celebrate our art by protecting our rights and our truths.”
We have less rights [than] a gun - Madonna
Madonna also criticises US abortion ruling. Through her Instagram account, the Grammy award-winning icon, 63, admitted she is “scared” for the future of her four daughters, including eldest Lourdes Leon. She wrote to her 18.3 million followers: “I woke up on Friday to the terrifying news that Roe v. Wade had been overturned and that legislation has decided that we no longer have rights as women over our bodies.
“This decision has plunged me and every other woman in this country into deep despair. Now the supreme court has decided that women’s rights are no longer constitutional rights. In fact we have less rights [than] a gun. I am scared for my daughters.”
She continued: “I’m scared for all women in America. I am just plain scared.
“I guess God put this on our shoulders right now because he knew that we were strong enough to bear the weight. Strong enough to fight! Strong enough to overcome.
“And so we shall overcome! We will find a way to make it a federal law to protect abortion rights!”
She concluded her lengthy post by asking: “Ladies, are you ready to fight?”
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Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong slams the US and says he’s ‘renouncing his citizenship.’ Among those responding was Julia Fox who simply commented with three emojis with love heart eyes. Naomi Campbell also went down the emoji route, sharing a string of love hearts, as did Jerrod Blandino.
It’s the best Supreme Court – Author Stephen King
While these celebrities see the abortion law as ‘an absolute disaster’, some notable persons consider it as a triumph for humanity. Strangely enough, former US President Donald Trump also regards it as a victory of the humanity. Anyway, the best-selling author Stephen King tweeted on the new ruling: “It’s the best Supreme Court the 19th century has yet produced.”
This is not just a woman issue - Jazmine Sullivan
On this stage another actor Jazmine Sullivan who won the category’s winner at the award ceremony, made a plea to men for their support of women.
“It’s a hard time for us,” Sullivan said. “I want to speak directly to the men: We need y’all. We need y’all to stand up, stand up for us, stand up with us. If you’ve ever benefitted from a woman making one of the toughest decisions of her life, which is to terminate a pregnancy, you need to be standing. This is not just a woman issue. This is everybody’s issue. We need your support more than ever.”
Rap singer Latto makes emotional speech
The rapper Latto gave an emotional speech after she won best new artist. “It’s giving pro-choice,” said the rapper, who performed her smash hit ‘Big Energy’ with Mariah Carey. “It’s never giving a man policing my body.”
Singer Tems dedicated her best international act award to the many women who ‘dare to dream.’
“Where I’m from, things like this don’t happen,” said the Lagos, Nigeria-born singer who won the best collaboration with Justin Bieber and Wizkid for their song ‘Essence’. “This is a dream. If you’re watching me, I want you to imagine yourself as me because you are meant to be here too.”
This will only prevent safe, legal abortions – Padma Lashmi
In a detailed response, cookery show host and author Padma Lakshmi said: “People will still get abortions. These procedures won`t stop just because Roe v. Wade is overturned. This will only prevent safe, legal abortions from taking place.”
She added: “The right to decide when to start a family or not is a choice every individual should be able to make on their terms when the time is right for them. This freedom and dignity is something we should all fight to preserve.
“I wish more people understood that the decision to have an abortion is deeply personal and complex. It`s a decision that should be treated with compassion and empathy, not vilified or criminalised.”
Thundered multiple award-winning actress Ariana DeBose: “Yeah, ain`t NOBODY telling me what I can & can’t do with my body. Ain`t nobody telling me who I get to love or marry for that matter. America ... you`re in for the fight of your life.”
I’m absolutely terrified - Taylor Swift
Voicing the majority view in the entertainment industry, pop star Taylor Swift tweeted: “I’m absolutely terrified that this is where we are – that after so many decades of people fighting for women’s rights to their own bodies, today`s decision has stripped us of that.”
Let the fight begin – Steven Klein
Steven Klein was also on board with the star and replied: “Let the fight begin.
“What does it say about freedom? Guns overrule women’s rights.
“The guns will be pointed at us soon.”