Indian Americans widely support abortion rights, yet remain largely silent. It’s time to turn private beliefs into public advocacy and protect women’s autonomy.

On Jan. 22, we mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that affirmed a woman’s constitutional right to abortion. Yet, nearly two years after its reversal, reproductive rights remain under relentless attack—making this anniversary a sobering reminder of what’s at stake.
Indian Americans have built a reputation as one of the most successful and influential immigrant communities in the United States, celebrated for our dedication to education, hard work and family values. Yet, when it comes to reproductive rights, our community has largely remained silent, even as these rights come under increasing attack across the country. This silence, quite frankly, is no longer acceptable.
A significant majority of Indian American adults—76 percent—believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to an AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll. Furthermore, 74 percent of us want Congress to pass a law guaranteeing nationwide access.
These numbers reveal widespread support, yet our advocacy has been minimal. Why? Cultural taboos and a discomfort with addressing controversial topics often hold us back. But this silence undermines not only our values, but also the lived experiences of Indian American women. As a community that deeply values family, it’s time to acknowledge that protecting reproductive rights is essential to safeguarding families and, quite frankly, our culture.
Cultural taboos and a discomfort with addressing controversial topics often hold us back. But this silence undermines not only our values but also the lived experiences of Indian American women.
So let’s make this year’s Roe anniversary not just about remembrance—let’s make it about action. We must ensure that our collective support translates into real advocacy, from community conversations to policy change.
We can look to the examples set by some of our most prominent leaders for inspiration. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently emphasized that reproductive freedom is foundational to democracy itself. Her words carry weight because they are backed by action—as a senator, she co-sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act, and as Vice President, she has been a tireless advocate for abortion rights, always underscoring the stakes for women and families.
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) has shown us the power of personal storytelling in shaping public debate. By courageously sharing her own abortion experience, she gave voice to countless others who have faced similar decisions. Her leadership reminds us that reproductive justice is both deeply personal and profoundly universal.
Also in Washington, state Sen. Manka Dhingra has championed policies to protect abortion providers and expand reproductive healthcare access, ensuring her state remains a sanctuary for reproductive freedom.
Closer to my hometown, Maryland’s Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller, exemplifies pragmatic leadership. Her work to expand access to reproductive healthcare reflects a commitment to equity and the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right.
These women, each leading in different political arenas, demonstrate what it means to advocate with courage, conviction and compassion. Their work is not just about policy; it’s about ensuring every woman, including those in our Indian American community, has the freedom to make decisions that are best for her and her family.
As we reflect on the impact of Roe v. Wade, we must also recognize that the fight is starting over—but this time, the movement must evolve. We cannot afford to approach this battle the same way we did in the past. The rollback of reproductive rights continues to disproportionately affect women of color, immigrants and those with limited resources—communities that include many Indian Americans. If we want to reclaim these rights, we must build a movement that is more inclusive, intersectional and unafraid to center the voices of those most affected.
Pro-choice is not at odds with being pro-family. … Indian culture places a profound emphasis on family, and reproductive rights ensure that families are built with care, intention, and respect for women’s autonomy.
Let me be clear, pro-choice is not at odds with being pro-family. In fact, it aligns perfectly with our cultural values. Indian culture places a profound emphasis on family, and reproductive rights ensure that families are built with care, intention, and respect for women’s autonomy. It’s time for us to bring our values of compassion and community into the public sphere and to advocate loudly for the rights that underpin strong, equitable societies.
Indian Americans have shaped this country in countless ways, from leading in technology to driving advancements in healthcare. Now, we need to channel that same energy into the fight for reproductive rights. Silence is complicity, and our inaction risks eroding the freedoms that have allowed our community to thrive.
This Roe anniversary should serve as a call to action. It is not enough to support reproductive rights privately; we must be visible and vocal in this fight.
To my fellow Indian Americans, especially women: this is our moment to step forward. Speak up in your communities, join organizations fighting for reproductive rights, and vote for leaders who prioritize these freedoms. Let us follow the example set by Harris, Rep. Jayapal, Gov. Miller and Sen. Dhingra. They’ve shown us that advocating for reproductive rights is not just political; it’s deeply personal and profoundly cultural.
By raising our voices, we can honor our heritage while securing a future where every woman—regardless of her background—has the freedom to choose. This is about more than politics. It’s about our values, our families and our daughters’ futures.