It is a sad leap backwards that the United States has just experienced. Friday, June 24, the Supreme Court decided to withdraw the right to abortion from the constitution, leaving the States to choose whether they wish to make it illegal or not. A turnaround that has made all those who have been fighting for women’s rights jump for years. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is one of them. In an interview given to vogue American, the mother of Archie and Lilibet indicated that despite the disappointment and discouragement, giving up was not an option: “I know a lot of women right now are feeling a sense of hopelessness. But again, we must unite, not be complacent. We have to do all the work.“
Meghan Markle is not the only one to share this point of view. Prince Harry is also equally involved in the defense of women’s rights: “His reaction was visceral, like mineshe confided. This decision may target women, but the consequences affect us all. Men need to speak up because these are decisions that affect relationships, families and wider communities. My husband and I have talked about it a lot over the past few days. He is also a feminist.“
Prince Harry was therefore a great support when Meghan Markle lost their baby: “What happens with our bodies is so intimate that it can lead to silence and stigma, even though many of us face personal crises. I know what a miscarriage feels like, I’ve spoken about it publicly before. The more we normalize these conversations about topics that affect our lives and our bodies, the more people will understand how necessary it is for us to have protections.”
“I think of how lucky I was to be able to have my two children. I know what it feels like to have a connection with what is growing inside your body. […] It’s about women’s physical safety. But also economic justice, individual autonomy, and what we represent as a society. No one should be forced to make a decision they don’t want to make, that doesn’t make them safe or that puts their own life in danger” added Meghan Markle. A sad observation that the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry are determined to fight, for her, for all women and for the future of their daughter, Lilibet.