@guardian

"I got in the car and he blindfolded me. I was willing to risk death." That’s what Trudy Hale, now 73 years old, remembers about her abortion at the age of 18 in 1967 — a time pre-Roe v Wade. The landmark US supreme court decision, which has given Americans abortion rights since 22 January 1973, was set to turn 50 next year. But, as the supreme court approaches summer recess, it looks likely that critical precedent will soon be overturned and never reach its milestone birthday. With the regulation of abortion returned to individual states, a large swath of the midwest and south – about 20 states housing half of the country’s population – will no longer have access to legal abortion. This is set to see a return to abortion experiences that have many similarities to pre-Roe v Wade America. Pre-1973, those with the necessary means travelled across state lines to get the procedures they needed. Today, like back then, campaigners fear that poor, Black, Latina, teenage women and undocumented immigrants will be disproportionately affected. What is different today is that some women will be able to access abortion pills over the internet and self-manage the procedure. We spoke to five women from across the US about their experiences of abortion in the pre-Roe v Wade era. Some were nervous, others defiant. But all shared their story in the hope that their past could shape America’s future. Swipe to read about three women’s experiences – and please tap the link in bio to read more harrowing accounts in our full piece. #RoevWade #Abortion #WomenRights #US #USNews