In recent years, it’s hard to miss the way media and certain political groups have latched onto dystopian imagery, particularly that of The Handmaid’s Tale, to create an atmosphere of fear around women’s rights and bodily autonomy. If you’re a regular consumer of news or social media, chances are you’ve seen references to a coming era of oppression, restrictions, and rollbacks of rights. But how realistic is this portrayal?

Let’s take a closer look at the facts and ask ourselves: is the scenario of widespread, systematic oppression truly on the horizon, or is it a powerful tactic to push political agendas and maintain a constant sense of urgency?

The Power of Fear in Political Messaging

The Handmaid’s Tale—a novel and popular television adaptation that presents a dystopian future where women’s autonomy is brutally suppressed—has become a symbolic reference for activists, particularly when discussing topics like abortion and reproductive rights. The story’s visuals and themes make for strong, memorable images, often used to evoke an emotional reaction.

However, the frequent invocation of such a grim, extreme world can create a distorted sense of reality. Instead of representing what’s actually happening in North America, it instead serves to stoke anxiety, often presenting worst-case scenarios as if they were imminent. By triggering fear, certain groups seek to rally women around their political agendas, encouraging urgency around ideas that may not reflect the full reality of women’s rights.

Are Women’s Rights Really at Risk?

When we step back from media dramatics an the ultimate outrage of those who believe they are in grave danger all over social media the last few days and instead look at the facts, a different picture emerges. Women in Canada and the United States presently have more freedoms, protections, and opportunities than at any other point in history:

• Legal Protections: Women’s rights are deeply enshrined in the legal systems of both Canada and the United States. Protections for bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, and equal opportunities in the workplace are secured by decades of legislation, making these hard-won rights difficult to dismantle.
• Advancements in Representation: Women’s voices are represented at every level of society, from high-ranking corporate leaders and entrepreneurs to political figures who shape policies. This representation ensures that women’s interests are part of decision-making processes, safeguarding their interests and freedoms.
• Health and Medical Access: While there may be regional variations, especially in the U.S., women’s health rights and access to care are overwhelmingly protected. This includes not only reproductive services but a broad range of health services addressing women’s unique medical needs.

How Fear-Mongering Works in Practice

Why would political groups perpetuate a sense of looming oppression? One answer is simple: fear motivates action. When people feel that their basic rights are under threat, they are more likely to rally, donate, and vote in alignment with those offering protection from these imagined dangers. For some organizations, this heightened sense of urgency ensures a steady stream of engagement and support, regardless of whether the threats they’re emphasizing are based in fact.

The same was true during the mandates of vaccinations all over the world as we felt a threat to our own sovereignty and bodily autonomy. While the outcry and outrage from millions was no-doubt a little different from this current situation, I can emphasize to that degree that it is terrifying to feel like you’re being threatened and it can cause rash behavior as humans.

Consider the narrative that women’s rights are on the brink of being erased. This isn’t simply a misrepresentation; it’s a distraction from reality. In both Canada and the U.S., women’s rights are not under “imminent attack.” However, by implying they are, these groups create a heightened sense of urgency that distracts from the real, more complex work of developing women’s rights even further.

A Clearer Perspective: The Realities and the Myths

For many, hearing the constant messaging of threats to women’s rights can feel exhausting. And that’s a problem. Women’s rights are strong and expanding, but continually framing these rights as “at risk” can make women feel as if progress is on shaky ground. In reality, the ongoing legal, social, and economic empowerment of women continues to make strides across North America.

While it’s vital to be aware of policies that affect women’s lives, it’s also crucial to avoid letting fear drive the conversation. Looking at the issues through a realistic, fact-based lens allows us to understand and address real challenges without the looming specter of a dystopian future.

Let’s Focus on Facts, Not Fear

Here’s the truth: women’s rights in Canada and the United States are robust, resilient, and backed by decades of progress. While no society is perfect and every democracy has its debates, the notion of imminent, systemic oppression is more fiction than fact.

The best way to ensure the continued progress of women’s rights is through informed, fact-driven conversations rather than fear-based propaganda. By doing so, we honor the progress made by generations before us, stay grounded in reality, and move forward with real, actionable change that benefits everyone.