Meghan Markle reveals Harry's 'guttural' reaction to Roe v Wade ruling

29 June 2022, 09:18

Harry and Meghan have reacted to the US Supreme Court's ruling
Harry and Meghan have reacted to the US Supreme Court's ruling. Picture: Getty/Alamy

By Daisy Stephens

Prince Harry had a "guttural" reaction to the US Supreme Court's decision to roll back abortion rights, which tells women they "don't matter", the Duchess of Sussex has said.

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The Supreme Court last week ended constitutional protections for abortion that have been in place for nearly 50 years by deciding to overturn the landmark Roe v Wade ruling.

Meghan has also spoken of her and Harry's "guttural" reaction to the decision, saying: "He's a feminist, too."

Read more: 'Women's lives at risk': Biden blasts 'un-American' US Supreme Court anti-abortion ruling

Read more: Protests erupt as abortion clinics close across US after Roe v Wade overthrown

In a conversation with American feminist activist Gloria Steinem and journalist Jessica Yellin, published in Vogue, she said: "Women are already sharing stories of how their physical safety is being put in danger.

"Women with resources will travel to get an abortion, those without might attempt to give themselves one at tremendous risk."

She explained some will be forced to find abortion pills from unregulated pharmacies and "be at the mercy" of doctors and lawyers.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken about the ruling that restricted women's rights to abortion in the states
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken about the ruling that restricted women's rights to abortion in the states. Picture: Alamy

"What does this tell women?" she added.

"It tells us that our physical safety doesn't matter, and as a result that we don't matter.

"But we do.

"Women matter."

Shelagh's moving pro-choice explanation of abortion

The duchess said the court's decision was going to have a disproportionate effect on women of colour and that is was "difficult to overstate" what it would mean for them.

She also told the magazine it was not just a women's issue, saying the ruling represents "a blueprint for reversing rights" including same-sex marriage and contraception access, and calling on men to get involved.

Read more: Women 'don't have absolute right of bodily autonomy' says Tory MP after Roe v Wade ruling

Read more: LBC Views: Roe V Wade ruling will embolden regressive views the world over

"Men need to be vocal in this moment and beyond because these are decisions that affect relationships, families, and communities at large," she said.

"They may target women, but the consequences impact all of us.

"My husband and I talked about that a lot over the past few days.

"He's a feminist, too."

The Supreme Court's ruling sparked protests across the US
The Supreme Court's ruling sparked protests across the US. Picture: Getty

She continued: "His reaction last week was guttural, like mine.

"I know that for so many women right now, there is a sentiment of despair.

"But, again, we have to band together and not wallow.

"We have to do the work."

Read more: Smiling Queen, 96, stands with walking stick in first outing since Jubilee weekend

Read more: Charles charity faces probe after ‘unusual’ donation of bags of cash from Qatari sheikh

Meghan was back in the UK for the Platinum Jubilee earlier this month with the Duke of Sussex, Archie and Lili.

She made an appearance with Harry at the service of thanksgiving held to mark the Queen's historic milestone.

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