Before Ruth Bader Ginsburg became an accomplished Supreme Court justice, she fought many battles with cancer and gender discrimination. At school, she had several experiences with gender discrimination despite being at the top of her class throughout her years at Cornell and Harvard Law. Regardless of her academic abilities, she was berated for taking a male’s spot in college and was one of the few women in a class of 500. Even in the workplace, she had a hard time trying to find a job. When she did get a job, her salary was always significantly lower than her male counterparts.
Along with discrimination, Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought a tough war with cancer. Her mother died of cancer a day before Ginsburg’s graduation in highschool. Her husband was also diagnosed with cancer while she studied at Harvard Law, forcing her to balance studying, helping her husband, and taking care of her child. She fought with colon cancer and, in 2009, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Eventually, Ruth Bader Ginsburg died due to complications from pancreatic cancer on September 18, 2020.
All these barriers she faced make her impact on the United States today even more powerful. She has opened doors of opportunity to women all over the country. Her involvement in women’s rights at the American Civil Liberties Union made significant progress in many court rulings. Her landmark cases included United States v. Virginia, Olmstead v. L.C., Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Obergefell v. Hodges., and Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. Because of Ginsburg, acceptance to colleges and other institutes is no longer based on gender. Her vote also contributed to the legalization of same-sex marriages. Additionally, she has sparked massive reform to our nation’s abortion practices. She also dissented against the ruling of Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., pushing Congress to pass legislation regarding equal pay without discrimination.
She has inspired people across the country to push past their own barriers and fight for what they think is right. She overcame her own losses and eventually became the second female Supreme Court Justice. Motivated by her own experiences, she drastically reduced the discrimination against women. Everyone should realize all the contributions Ruth Bader Ginsburg has made for our nation and cherish her legacy. Rest in peace, RBG.
Works Cited
Rodriguez, Jakob. “Texas Leaders React to Death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” KSAT, 19 Sept. 2020, www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/09/19/texas-leaders-react-to-death-of-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.
Vanian, Jonathan. “5 Key Supreme Court Cases That Highlight Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy.” Fortune, 18 Sept. 2020, fortune.com/2020/09/18/ruth-bader-ginsburg-legacy-supreme-court-cases/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.
