Losing Abortion Rights is a Travesty

STATEMENT ON THE RULING OF
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

Friday marked the tremendous loss of a fundamental human right in the United States. The Supreme Court struck down the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision, which guaranteed federal constitutional protections of abortion rights, and a subsequent 1992 decision, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which largely maintained that right. Overturning Roe and Casey hurts those of us who live in underserved, under-resourced and neglected communities the most. This ruling will also drive increases in homelessness among low-income families.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of abortion patients are low-income. Nearly 75% of pregnancies among those of us who experience homelessness are unintended. One study found that people without homes become pregnant at twice the national rate. Unintended pregnancy in this circumstance can add immense trauma and stress to an already traumatic experience. Violent attacks on those of us without homes are shockingly common, and pregnancies resulting from sexual assault are devastating. The repeated loss of self-determination is both unforgivable and completely unnecessary. And disempowering people further certainly doesn’t help any of us regain stability.

The loss of a federal constitutional protection of abortion rights deepens racial, gender identity and sexual orientation inequities in this country. Time and time again we have experienced the devastating consequences of allowing states to define fundamental human rights. Left to their own, states routinely weaponize these decisions against vulnerable populations generally and African American and Hispanic/Latinx communities in particular. Those of us who live in poverty too often lack the resources, support and insurance necessary to pick up and move or even travel across state lines.

Friday’s ruling is a travesty. We applaud states such as Maryland that have expanded and protected reproductive health care. We recognize that our local health systems may soon become strained to meet the needs of people from neighboring states that will now prohibit the procedure.

We believe in comprehensive health care, free of stigma and judgment, for all people. Every day we will stand with individuals and families who bear the brunt of this ruling as we work toward a vision where everyone is healthy and has a safe home in a just and respectful community.

If you or someone you know needs an abortion:

• AbortionFinder.org or 1-800-230-Plan
• Abortionfunds.org
• Baltimore Abortion Fund: 443-297-9893

To support abortion access:

• Visit abortionfunds.org to donate to a fund near you.