Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death makes American women fearful

Jade Coats, Staff Writer

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away on September 18. The Supreme Court announced her death, informing that it was due to pancreatic cancer. It was said that Ginsburg died in her home in Washington D.C. surrounded by family.

Ginsburg, a feminist and LGBTQ+ icon, served in the Supreme Court for 27 years. Only days before her passing, Ginsburg told her granddaughter Clara Spera: “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.”

Even with Ginsburg’s wish, President Trump is attempting to replace her seat with a conservative woman. Conservatives would have a 6-3 majority in the Supreme Court. This worries citizens all over the United States as things such as LGBTQ+ rights could be taken away at the drop of a hat.

Ginsburg was an incredible woman who accomplished many great things throughout her life. In her early life, she fought for women’s rights in the courts daily. When she began her legal career, women’s rights weren’t equal to men’s by law. Now, however, in 2020, those laws have changed due to Ginsburg. 

 Barack Obama spoke up about Ginsburg to Republicans and how her death should be treated: “A basic principle of the law—and of everyday fairness—is that we apply rules with consistency, and not based on what’s convenient or advantageous in the moment. The rule of law, the legitimacy of our courts, the fundamental workings of our democracy all depend on that basic principle. As votes are already being cast in this election, Republican Senators are now called to apply that standard. The questions before the Court now and in the coming years—with decisions that will determine whether or not our economy is fair, our society is just, women are treated equally, our planet survives, and our democracy endures — are too consequential to future generations for courts to be filled through anything less than an unimpeachable process.” 

Ginsburg deserves respect after her many accomplishments such as helping women to enter the military, pushing Congress for equal pay for women, and fighting for women’s reproductive rights whenever possible. Citizens of the United States have every right to be afraid. Because of her death, there are threats of losing the right of birth control, abortion, and even equal pay. Many women are reacting to RBG’s death just like they reacted to Trump’s presidency—with fear. Women all over are making sure they have insurance to cover birth control or a way to obtain it in case of emergency. 

With her death, women’s rights were truly exposed. Ginsburg was who protected the injustices of reproductive rights. With her death, many realize how important Ginsburg was for women all over the country. With Ruth’s death, many citizens of the U.S. are begging others to vote. Citizens can help control the country’s future outcome. Many people, both famous and not, are begging others to vote in the upcoming election. However, even if Vice President Joe Biden were to win the election, there’s no guarantee women’s rights will be saved. Republicans will still control the White House and Congress until early January.

    The Supreme Court has seen three vacancies in the past five years. Ginsburg’s, due to her health, was the least surprising of all. However, it’s definitely the one with the most consequences. For example, Justice Antonin Scalia’s death in 2016, unlike Ginsburg’s, didn’t change the power on the court. With Ginsburg’s, Republicans have a 6-3 majority. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon across the United States and her death will affect citizens for ages.