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In what feels like a dystopian Handmaid's Tale-type nightmare, the US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade, effectively taking away women's constitutional right to have an abortion in America.
And worryingly, a number of states are already moving quickly to enforce the ban.
Public figures, politicians, and prominent celebrities from around the world have spoken out against the dangerous and Orwellian ruling, while pro-choice activists have been demonstrating across the globe.
Americans have been protesting across the country since Saturday, including outside of the Supreme Court, carrying signs with slogans like 'you have our blood on your hands,' and 'not your uterus, not your choice.'
On the other side of the world, Australians have joined in the fight for women's rights with protests set for the major metropolitan cities - Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Wollongong, and Adelaide - over the coming days.
In Perth, a major protest had hundreds of people with signs marching and publicly condemning the decision of the Supreme Court.
As a pro-choice person and a person with a uterus, like many, the decision came like a hard blow. A kick in the teeth.
And even though abortion is legal here in Australia and we likely won't face the same fate that American women do, when you see something awful happening to someone else, it's feels painful, as if you were experiencing it yourself.
The strict abortion laws that are in contrast with the loose gun laws, make it clear what America's values and priorities are.
Guns are more important than a woman's right to abortion and autonomy over her own body, and rape and incest are not exceptional circumstances as grounds for an abortion.
The overturning of Roe v Wade is a loss for all women around the world. It's a very dangerous violation of human rights and a giant step backwards for women and their rights.
If we don't even have control over our own bodies, what then?
While it's hard to not feel anxious, depressed, and downcast at such news, especially if you live in America, it's important to take care of your mental health during this time and seek professional help if you need it.
There are a number of ways you can help to fight the good fight. You can be active and vocal on social media; you can donate to organisations such as Planned Parenthood; you can sign a petition; or show solidarity by marching at one of these locations:
Melbourne
Sydney
Adelaide
Brisbane
Perth
Murray St and Forrest Place at 1pm on Saturday July 2
Hobart
Salamanca market at 11am on Saturday July 2
Wollongong
Crown Street Mall Amphitheatre at 12pm on Saturday July 2
Canberra
Garema Place at 12pm on Saturday July 2
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