Still Fighting (2000s - Today)

Right Fought For: The right to bodily autonomy, identity, and full legal equality.

It’s easy to believe the fight is over. But even now, women in the U.S. are still battling for control over their own bodies, recognition of their gender identity, and equal standing under the law.

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protections for abortion rights. Now, in many states, girls and women can no longer make personal medical decisions without government interference. Meanwhile, the Equal Rights Amendment, first proposed in 1923, still hasn’t been added to the Constitution.

Women aren’t just fighting for reproductive rights—they’re also standing up for safety in schools, fair treatment in healthcare, and protection against gender-based violence. Trans women and girls face additional threats to their basic rights, including bans on healthcare, sports participation, and restroom access.

This generation’s fight looks different. It happens in courtrooms, yes—but also in hashtags, protests, school board meetings, and voting booths. The tools may be digital, but the courage is the same.

We’re not in the past. But we’re not past this fight either.

Sources:

• ACLU. “The Ongoing Fight for Reproductive Freedom.” aclu.org

• ERA Coalition. “The Status of the Equal Rights Amendment.” eracoalition.org

• Human Rights Campaign. “State Legislation Targeting LGBTQ Rights.” hrc.org