Statement from Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts on 50^th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

BOSTON – Today marks fifty years since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision granted federal constitutional protections for abortion, a ruling that was overturned on June 24, 2022 with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. In the seven months since Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion bans have eliminated all or most access to abortion in 18 states. Abortion is legal in Massachusetts, protected under state law. In July, Massachusetts lawmakers passed historic legislation to expand abortion access and protect reproductive health care providers. 

Reflecting on the 50^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, leaders from Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) issued the following statements:   

Ellen Frank, interim President and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts:  

“In the seven months since Roe was overturned, one in three women of reproductive age in the United States — and more trans and nonbinary people — has lost access to abortion in their home state. We’re proud that Massachusetts has some of the strongest protections for reproductive health care in the country and that Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts continues to be a place patients rely on for safe, compassionate, non-judgmental sexual and reproductive health care, no matter where they come from. Planned Parenthood will continue to fight to ensure that abortion is not only legal, but accessible, to all — something that Roe v. Wade never guaranteed – because we believe deeply in the right of all people, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they earn, to make their own personal decisions about their bodies, their families, and their paths in life, without political interference.” 

Dr. Danielle Roncari, Vice President of Medical Services at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts: 

“Overturning Roe v. Wade has opened the floodgates for states to implement dangerous policies that prevent people from accessing reproductive health care from skilled health care providers and that attach stigma, shame, and fear to routine medical care. Abortion bans not only deprive people of their bodily autonomy and access to abortion, they also make it harder for people to get lifesaving medical care for miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other pregnancy-related complications. Providers and medical staff in states with harsh consequences for people who perform abortions are afraid to treat patients even in emergency situations, putting the health and lives of pregnant people at risk. And, the next generation of OBGYNs and reproductive health clinicians in too many states are being denied essential medical training. PPLM is meeting this moment head on by training sexual and reproductive health care leaders, conducting research that will make abortion care more accessible and improve patient experience, and showing up every day to provide the same compassionate, non-judgmental care that our patients expect and deserve.”  

Dr. Nate Horwitz-Willis, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts: 

“While this anniversary marks a reminder of what we’ve lost, Roe never fully guaranteed that people could get an abortion. Hurdles like distance, money, time off of work, and other restrictions have stood in the way of people’s health for over 50 years. For Massachusetts to truly be a beacon of reproductive freedom, we must further remove barriers to care, and people are counting on us. As a new Administration takes over and the legislative session kicks off in Massachusetts, we are focusing our advocacy on measures that will improve patient care and maternal health outcomes, equitably expand access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health care, and work to eliminate systemic and racial inequities so that all Massachusetts residents can control their health, lives, and futures.” 

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