Article Summary –
Jennifer Martin, a retired psychology professor, perceives the “war on women” as a long-standing issue, exacerbated by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade, sparking her to stockpile emergency contraception for personal and community use. She highlights her concerns about restricted reproductive rights and the potential direction of healthcare policy, emphasizing the impact of communication freezes from health agencies and disruptions in scientific funding. Martin draws parallels with actions by some Democratic-led states that, in response to legal challenges, have begun stockpiling abortion medications, fearing further restrictions despite current legal abortion access in Pennsylvania.
At 19, Jennifer Martin became aware of what she describes as a “war on women.” Now a mother and retired psychology professor, Martin sensed the movement against women’s autonomy in healthcare long before the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision reversed Roe v. Wade, ending federal abortion rights.
“Many are shocked by Roe‘s overturn, but it continues a trend,” Martin told the Pennsylvania Independent. “Even with a left-leaning administration, policymakers still lack scientific insight into women’s healthcare needs.”
By November 2024, Martin stocked up on emergency contraception pills like Plan B containing levonorgestrel, reducing pregnancy risk by 77%-89% if taken within three days post-unprotected sex.
Martin accumulates these pills not just for her daughters, aged 27 and 24, but also for her community. “If a stranger needs it for heartbreaking reasons, it’s a small preparedness step. It’s not if, but when it’ll be needed,” she shares, purchasing in bulk online.
While stockpiling, Martin focuses on the morning-after pill, which doesn’t require a prescription and lasts four years. She’s also concerned about broader healthcare policy, noting the Trump administration’s communication freeze within key health agencies and the cancellation of NIH panel meetings reviewing grant applications.
“As a scientist, I’m worried about science funding. The drug development process impacts everyone, beyond just women or those with disabilities,” Martin emphasizes.
In 2003, after a Texas judge halted FDA approval for the abortion pill mifepristone, several Democratic states began stockpiling it, unlike Pennsylvania.
“State law in Pennsylvania prevents using state funds for mifepristone stockpiling,” Gov. Josh Shapiro explained in 2023.
Although the Supreme Court ruled in June 2024 that plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge mifepristone’s approval, maintaining access, it left the door open for future lawsuits. By year’s end, six states confirmed they were stockpiling mifepristone and misoprostol, essential for over half of U.S. abortions. Mifepristone lasts five years; misoprostol, two years.
Despite abortion being legal until 24 weeks of pregnancy in Pennsylvania, Martin fears for its future. “We must prepare for changes, as women’s lives are at stake,” she asserts.
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