Today’s Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, overturning the landmark cases Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey is not only devastating to women but to humanity. This court has turned back the clock on human rights that will have far reaching implications for years to come for the reproductive health, welfare, and freedoms for many. Those who will be most affected are BIPOC individuals living in marginalized and under-resourced communities. This once more illustrates the huge inequity in health and human rights in the United States of America.
I knew this decision was coming. I wrote in May when the brief was leaked that I had a sick sense since December this court was going to overturn Roe v. Wade. I still held on to a shoe string of hope, especially given the public pressure. Upon receiving the alert of this horrific news this morning, I was instantly overtaken again by anger and grief, and unlike the day the brief was leaked, this time I could not hold back the torrent of tears. My heart is crushed that the country I live in does not value women and structural racism continues to be fortified. After sitting with these feelings for several hours, it is now time to channel this anger into action.
Health Outreach Partners stands firm in our support of reproductive health and freedom. We will not stop our work to support vulnerable communities to improve health equity, including abortion care for those that choose it. We will continue to call out racial inequities and harm to men and women living in poverty, and we will fight to improve access. As I noted last month, this is the tip of the iceberg. Those behind this injustice are just getting started in their attempt to continue the structural marginalization of those in this country that not only seek abortion, but also birth control, gender affirming care, and other forms of care for sexual and reproductive health needs. Their calculated attempts to cause harm must be thwarted.
Today’s decision is one more step in the decline of our democracy. On Monday morning we will wake up and abortion may be illegal in as many as 26 states. We must all band to together and fight to protect our human rights. We can’t let the minority continue to terrorize the majority in our country. We need to take back our freedoms and we must start now!
Health Outreach Partners vows to be a partner in the fight for reproductive justice. We vow to:
- Advocate for abortion protection in states that are at risk
- Advocate for and support legislation protecting all forms of reproductive justice, including abortion, birth control, and LGBTQ+ rights and health care
- Support and learn about the California Abortion Safe Haven laws and Constitutional Amendment, enshrining abortion rights in California
- Provide resources and referrals for women seeking abortion in states where abortion has become illegal
- Work in partnership with abortion allies across the country (visit Access Reproductive Justice today)
- Provide health care coverage for all employees of HOP that covers abortion and all reproductive health care services
Lastly, the same backers of this SCOTUS decision want to take away the vote from marginalized communities this decision seeks to harm. Do not let them! Do not give up! Vote. Vote in every single election. Often local elections are more important than national ones. Our voices are too important! We must be heard and we must remove those in office who seek to dismantle our human rights to bodily autonomy and equitable health care. November is right around the corner!
With gratitude – Cindy
