Meaning: The quote you provided is from Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an iconic figure in the fight for gender equality and women's rights. In this statement, Ginsburg is addressing the issue of reproductive choice and highlighting the inherent inequality in the lack of access to reproductive options for women of lower economic means. Let's delve deeper into the context and significance of this quote.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, often affectionately referred to as RBG, was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her passing in 2020. Throughout her career, she was a staunch advocate for gender equality and women's rights, and her impact on the legal landscape of the United States is immeasurable.

In the quote you provided, Ginsburg is expressing her belief that reproductive choice should be an essential right for all women, regardless of their socioeconomic status. She emphasizes that women who have the means will always find a way to access reproductive options, while those who are economically disadvantaged will be disproportionately affected by restrictive policies. This highlights the systemic inequality that exists in the realm of reproductive rights.

Ginsburg's reference to the states that changed their abortion laws before the landmark Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade is significant. Prior to the 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, many states had laws that restricted or criminalized abortion. The decision in this case effectively legalized abortion nationwide, recognizing a woman's constitutional right to choose to have an abortion. However, Ginsburg's point about the unlikelihood of these states reverting to their previous restrictive laws underscores the enduring impact of the Roe v. Wade decision.

By asserting that the policy on reproductive choice only affects poor women and that it can never be otherwise, Ginsburg is drawing attention to the disproportionate burden placed on economically disadvantaged women when it comes to reproductive freedom. This reflects a broader pattern of inequality where marginalized communities bear the brunt of restrictive policies and lack access to essential healthcare services.

Ginsburg's words serve as a call to action, reminding society of the imperative to ensure that reproductive rights are not a privilege reserved for the affluent, but a fundamental right guaranteed to all individuals. Her advocacy for reproductive choice aligns with her lifelong commitment to dismantling barriers that perpetuate gender-based discrimination and inequality.

In conclusion, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's quote encapsulates her unwavering dedication to advancing the rights of women, particularly in the realm of reproductive choice. Her words remind us of the ongoing struggle to ensure equitable access to reproductive options for all women, regardless of their economic circumstances. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the work that remains to be done in the pursuit of gender equality and social justice.