The Duchess of Sussex said men should “raise more voices” on abortion rights in response to the US Supreme Court’s controversial decision to appeal Roe v Wade.
The 40-year-old mother of two said husband Prince Harry had a “gothic” reaction to the news, revealing that it has been a regular topic of conversation in their household since last Friday’s announcement.
Speaking to Vogue magazine with author and activist Gloria Steinem and journalist Jessica Yellin, Meghan said: “Men need to vote now and beyond because these are decisions that affect relationships, families and communities in general.
“They may be targeting women, but the consequences affect all of us.”
The Duchess said Prince Harry is also a “feminist” and told the magazine: “I know there is a sense of despair for so many women right now. But again, we have to work together and not wallow. We have to do the work .”
She also spoke about her miscarriage in November 2020, adding that it’s important to “normalize the conversation about the things that affect our lives and bodies.”
“This is about women’s physical safety,” Meghan said.
“It’s also about economic justice, individual autonomy and who we are as a society. No one should be forced to make a decision which he does not want, or which is unsafe, or which endangers his own life.”
Ms Steinem, who says she will welcome women to her New York home if they travel to have an abortion, said Harry and Meghan’s voice on the matter is vital.
“It’s very, very, very important,” she said.
“Because what they both have is trust. We trust them and nothing but nothing replaces trust. It is the most important quality or characteristic. We can see things on television and don’t believe or trust them.
“But when people like these two tell us, we trust it.”
The activist recruited Meghan to compete for Congress to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, which would guarantee equal legal rights regardless of gender in the US Constitution.
“If this is the kind of legislation we need to pass, then this is a moment I will absolutely show up for,” the Duchess said.
“Not just because it’s what we need as women, but it’s what we need as humans.”