Essential Access Health Statement in Response to Devastating SCOTUS Decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health

Statement by Amy Moy, Chief External Affairs Officer and Acting President + CEO

This morning, the US Supreme Court released its decision in Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health. As anticipated, the ruling overturns Roe vs. Wade, denies the constitutional right to privacy, and erodes access to safe and legal abortion care nationwide.

“Today’s ruling is extreme and dangerous, and will be a stain on our nation’s history. The Court’s conservative majority has upended 50 years of precedent and stripped millions of their fundamental right to bodily autonomy. The decision allows state governments to force people to remain pregnant against their will – putting their health and livelihood at risk. The impact will disproportionately affect young people, communities of color and people with low-incomes, and compound the systemic racism, misogyny, and coercive policies that have put abortion access out of reach for far too many, for far too long.

“Although we have been actively preparing for this nightmare scenario, we cannot and will not accept it as the new status quo. People who can become pregnant account for over 50% of the population, and they deserve better.

“It is time to be bold, vocal, and unapologetic about the important role abortion plays in supporting individual and community health, and creating a more just and equitable society.

“We call on Congress, the Biden Administration and state leaders across the country to take meaningful action to ensure that everyone can get the essential health care they want and need – including abortion and contraception - regardless of their income or where they live.

“In California we are not leaving anything on the table. As a member of the California Future of Abortion Council Steering Committee, we are advancing a comprehensive and robust legislative and budget package to meet this moment and address the national abortion crisis. We are proud co-sponsors of SCA 10, a constitutional amendment introduced this year to explicitly affirm the right to abortion and contraceptive care. The ability to obtain time-sensitive, and potentially life-changing reproductive health services will be protected for all Californians and it will ensure that abortion care will be an accessible option for generations to come.”