Earlier this month, a letter was sent to the United Nations by multiple human rights organizations urging action against the United States, specifically states that are banning abortion.
This letter was written and signed by many international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Physicians for Human Rights and the National Birth Equity Collaborative. The 53-page document outlines facts about pregnancy, abortion and healthcare in the United States and discusses how the new anti-abortion laws directly violate international law.
The timeline of the letter does not start where most of us would think that it would, at the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year. Instead, it focuses on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which was decided in June 2022. This case, according to the Supreme Court, argued whether Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban was unconstitutional; it was found not to be.
While abortion and healthcare rights have been a hot topic in the news for years, this letter to the U.N. takes the conversation to an entirely new level. Accusing the United States of violating international laws rarely happens, as we are usually the ones making the rules. Though I do not think any action will be taken as a result of this letter, it is a symbol that change could be possible.
One part of this whole ordeal that is really unnerving to me is how I stumbled across this story, I saw it on TikTok. It was not on the news or in The New York Times, but on a social media app. I am not surprised that no one is reporting on it, and frankly it is embarrassing to claim to be the best country in the world and to be accused of violating human rights. The U.S. is a very prideful place, so it is no wonder those in power refuse to acknowledge something like this.
Decrees against the most influential nations have little meaning and at least I do not think they will have the impact that they intend. It has been made clear that the U.S. does what it wants, no matter who or what is affected. I truly believe that the people making decisions about abortion rights will never change their views and no letter will influence that.
Another major development on the world stage this month was the International Criminal Court accusing Vladimir Putin of war crimes and issuing a warrant for his arrest. Similar to the letter to the U.N., nothing will come of this declaration.
As history has shown us, international organizations hold little power against countries like the U.S. and Russia. I do not think it matters what organization says what, action will not be taken, at least not on an international level. Though I am glad that these issues are being addressed at this level.
I am not trying to be pessimistic, but from what I have seen, the future is not looking bright. We are living in a time of tragedy and without people willing to stand up behind causes, letters and declarations against individuals are meaningless.
Photo by Emma Guliani via Pexels
