Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest Condemns The Supreme Court’s Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Case

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned nearly 50 years of precedent and eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, stripping people of their right to determine if and when to start a family. This final decision comes weeks after the leaked draft decision, and could lead to 26 states swiftly moving to ban abortion. In California, we will continue to have protections in place and will work to expand access to abortion care for all. 

The consequences of this devastating decision will fall largely on people who already face the greatest barriers to health care, including Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and people living in rural areas.

Below is a statement from Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest:

“Although we knew the decision announced today by the Supreme Court of the United States was likely, to say we are extremely disappointed does not begin to encompass the deep worry we feel. The important precedent that Roe v. Wade set almost 50 years ago has been thrown out, and decisions on the legal right to abortion will now be left up to individual states. It is expected that over half of all states across the country will severely restrict or ban abortion entirely, including 13 states that will likely enact abortion trigger laws immediately. 

“We share in our communities' and patients' sadness, anger, and fear about what this means for the short-term, and for generations to come. This dangerous and chilling decision will force people to flee their state to access basic, critical care, while those who cannot afford to travel for health care will have to face unbelievable choices and may end up being forced to carry pregnancies against their will. And as we know, barriers to accessing care will only increase for people of color, people with low incomes, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people.

“It is important to note that abortion is still safe, legal, and protected in the state of California and that all patients, regardless of where they may be traveling from, will be able to access abortion care at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. We will keep fighting for legislation that will protect the right to safe and legal abortion, and we will continue to work with people on the ground who are working to ensure that everyone can access the care they need. Anyone who needs abortion care should go to abortionfinder.org to find their nearest provider.

“Today, we are facing another difficult moment, but we are not backing down – not now, not ever. As always, we stand with abortion providers everywhere, with supporters, and with all who will keep fighting until all people can be free to decide if and when to start a family. We will never compromise on our bodies, our dignity, or our ability to make choices about our own health and lives.