STATEMENT ON THE LEAKED DRAFT ON ROE VS. WADE

We are appalled and angered by the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion, authored by Justice Alito, which overturns Roe v. Wade. In his opinion, Justice Alito denigrates Roe v. Wade, failing to recognize the power granted by the Constitution to protect the fundamental right to privacy of pregnant people under the 14th Amendment, on which Roe v. Wade is based. We wholeheartedly, as we have in the past, condemn cruel and backward positions on basic human rights. An individual’s right to choose to have a safe, medically sound abortion allows them to have autonomy over their own body; it protects their right to privacy; it leaves personal medical decisions to individuals, their families and their doctors.

The draft writes that the rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment must be “deeply rooted in the Nation’s history and tradition,” stating that “abortion does not fall within this category…[as] such a right was entirely unknown in American law.” Aside from the fact that the statement ignores that abortions have been a common practice across the existence of the human race, such language goes far beyond reproductive rights but jeopardizes the 14th Amendment rights for every single person in the United States. This decision will have wide rippling effects that we cannot fathom. The Supreme Court’s position reflects a movement of subverting people’s individual rights, undermining work and voices of advocates, and eliminating the progress we have desperately fought for.

Healthcare is a human right, and access to reproductive services, including abortion, are cornerstone of a person’s autonomy. Limited access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, is already far too difficult, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, those without the financial means to secure care, and other marginalized communities. This decision will exacerbate the challenges low income and at risk individuals face when seeking routine medical care. As the former President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Faye Wattleton, stated: “Reproductive freedom is critical to a whole range of issues. If we can’t take charge of this most personal aspect of our lives, we can’t take care of anything. It should not be seen as a privilege or as a benefit, but a fundamental human right.”

The draft opinion undermines the value of precedent and poses an extreme danger to individual freedoms beyond reproductive rights. If, as it stated, the only rights we are entitled to are those specifically stated within the Constitution, then many more marginalized communities and their rights are in peril. We are on the precipice of a dangerous era if there is not a concerted effort by organizations, Congressmembers, and individuals to assert and reclaim the right of access to abortion care and prevent the criminalization of those procuring and assisting in abortion access.

We are grateful to be in a state that believes in protecting the right to abortion and ensuring our right to make choices about our own bodies and healthcare. We know that is not the case in many states, and we will support organizations and efforts across the United States to ensure access to quality healthcare and medically sound abortions. We will be at the frontlines of this fight.

We urge community members to contact their Senators and Congressmembers to demand their support for the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755). We also ask that those who can donate to abortion providers and pro-choice advocacy groups that continue to provide immediate help to people seeking care.

Below Are A List of Resources:

Access to Reproductive Health Care and Services

https://www.ineedana.com/ (easy access to looking up clinics and funds near you)
https://abortionfunds.org/need-abortion (abortion funds across the United States)

Access Reproductive Justice: https://accessrj.org/access-rj-online-request-form/ (800) 376-4636

Access to Mental Health Support: Youth Crisis Line (800) 843-5200

San Francisco Crisis Line (415) 781-0500

Text CRISIS to (415) 200-2920

National Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

Send a text message to 838255

Supporting Organizations Fighting for Reproductive Freedom

NARAL Pro-Choice America

Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Emily’s List

The California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom

Demonstrating Solidarity at Events & Rally