Critically analyzing the overturning of Roe v. Wade: What is wrong with Dobbs v. Jackson and how it can provide implications for democratic education

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) has significantly reshaped the legal and educational landscape surrounding reproductive rights in the United States. This policy analysis examines the implications of these legal shifts for democratic education, particularly regarding Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and reproductive health education, which is fundamental to fostering informed citizenship, political equality, and deliberative democracy. The study explores how restrictive reproductive laws disproportionately impact students, particularly women, LGBTQ + individuals, and marginalized communities, by limiting access to critical health knowledge and services. The analysis highlights the widening disparities in CSE across states, the consequences for student well-being and educational attainment, and the broader implications for civic engagement and democratic participation. The paper concludes with policy recommendations, advocating for federally standardized CSE, legal protections for reproductive rights, and expanded access to reproductive healthcare services. Addressing these challenges is essential not only for advancing gender and health equity but also for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.