Beyond 280 Characters: Counterpublics and Black Women’s Responses to the Overturning of Roe v. Wade on Twitter

Abstract

This study explores the discourse of Black women and birthing individuals on Twitter following the leaked draft of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which challenged abortion rights in the United States. Despite the decision’s profound implications for racialized minorities, mainstream discussions largely overlooked its racial dimensions. Social media is an important potential alternative outlet to mainstream sources of information. At the time of this historical event, Twitter – now X – was a respected outlet by users and serves as the focus of this research. Our analysis uncovers nuanced perspectives on reproductive rights, healthcare access, and racial justice within the digital sphere. Black women and birthing individuals utilize Twitter as a counterpublic space to challenge dominant narratives, advocate for social change, and demand intersectional approaches to reproductive justice. The findings show that Black women are discussing systemic injustices within healthcare systems and are expressing frustration and anger over the additional burdens faced by Black women and birthing individuals, particularly in the absence of reciprocal support from White women. Through their creation of this counterpublic space, Black women assert their agency, reclaim their narratives, and demand genuine allyship in the fight for reproductive justice. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how marginalized communities navigate digital platforms to challenge power structures and advance social justice agendas.