Awoman’s ability to get on in life depends heavily on her ability to control her reproductive health. That is why almost all of the 38 countries in the oecd, a club of advanced economies, allow abortion on request in the first trimester of pregnancy, and often beyond. Across the world, laws increasingly reflect the principle that decisions on abortion are rightfully a woman’s to make. Most Americans agree, yet their country, which sets out to be a beacon for democracy and freedom, has this week taken a dangerous step towards oppression.

On June 24th the Supreme Court said it had voted to overturn Roe v Wade, the ruling that in 1973 declared abortion a constitutional right. The court has thereby torn up a right it granted almost half a century ago. In that time a consistent and clear majority of Americans have told pollsters they want Roe to stand. The price will be heavy, and it will fall overwhelmingly on America’s poorest women.