Opinion Today: Dispatches from the reality of a post-Roe America

What does it really mean to live in a country where abortion access is no longer guaranteed?

View in browser|nytimes.com October 17, 2024 By Meher Ahmad Staff Editor, Opinion I thought I understood the state of abortion in America after Roe. If you read the news often, you might feel the same way I did. I thought the new reality simply meant longer drives or short plane rides for some to get access to care or that the exceptions carved out in the laws of many states meant people facing life-threatening conditions or pregnancy complications were still getting the health care they needed. But when, as part of a project Opinion is publishing today, I set out to hear stories from the doctors, patients and volunteers in states that have banned abortion in the two years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, I quickly learned how the new reality is one of chaos, confusion and oftentimes fear. I heard an OB-GYN in South Dakota describe waiting for one of her patients to get sicker before she could legally provide her care. I listened to a medical resident recount scrambling to find an anesthesiologist for a patient whose abortion would clearly fall under an exception to her state's strict ban. I learned of a woman lying to her doctor for fear she might be reported for taking abortion pills at home. We reached out to over 60 people and organizations in the past four months and asked them to tell us how the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has affected them. They shared these stories and many more, through voice notes, photos, videos and text messages. They told us of an America where basic tenets of health care are unraveling, an America where doctors and patients alike live in fear of the law, a country where your fundamental rights can change starkly based solely on which state you live in. Read their stories: The New York Times This Is What It Takes to Get an Abortion in America In text messages, videos, voice memos and pictures, we hear from the people at the frontlines of abortion access about how their worlds have changed. By New York Times Opinion Here's more from Opinion, curated by Times editors and personalized for you Mark Peterson for The New York Times When Patriarchy Trumps Race Despite his flaws, the former president's ideas and style appeal to some Black men. By Charles M. Blow Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters In Lebanon, We Took Pride in Our Resilience. Not Anymore. The Lebanese have held strong through many tragedies. But they are now at the end of their rope. By Joumana Haddad Illustration by George Douglas; source photographs by Roger Ressmeyer, Ben Gabbe and Ben Gabbe/Getty Images Let's Take the Republican Policy Challenge The former president's actual plans are no better than his tweets. By David French Erik Hagen for The New York Times I Grew Up in Bucks County, Pa. I Went Back to Try to Make Sense of the Election. The people in Riegelsville, Pa., expressed two shockingly different visions of what a president should be. By Michael Sokolove Illustration by Jack Smyth. Photograph by Getty Images America Is Sleepwalking Into an Economic Storm The combination of an aging work force, artificial intelligence and shifts in globalization will challenge America in ways not seen in decades. By Daron Acemoglu We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving Opinion Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018