Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Statement on Supreme Court Case Directly Challenging Roe v. Wade

December 1, 2021

Brandon Richards, Director of Communications
[email protected]

SACRAMENTO— Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) released the following statement from President and CEO Jodi Hicks in response to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in the court case Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization – a court case directly challenging nearly 50 years of precedent established through Roe v Wade:

“Today, Mississippi indisputably asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade and take away the constitutional right to abortion for millions of people. There is no doubt after today’s questioning, the reshaped Supreme Court threatens to unravel long established freedoms—further politicizing reproductive freedom and access to abortion. Every person deserves the ability to make their own decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures.

“Unfortunately, we cannot hope the courts will protect our rights, which is why the time to act is now. California policymakers must begin preparing the state to serve potentially millions of more people seeking abortion care as other states prepare extreme bans to an essential health service. It is imperative California builds upon its status as a Reproductive Freedom state.

“And let’s be clear, upholding Roe is only the floor, not the ceiling. The protections and rights afforded under Roe v Wade have never been enough and many people face significant obstacles to accessing abortion care, particularly Black, Brown, Indigenous and other people of color, people with low incomes, and people living in rural areas.

“To Planned Parenthood patients, supporters, advocates, and activists throughout California and beyond, know this: we will never stop fighting for health equity and that includes access to abortion. Planned Parenthood will never stop providing essential health care to those in need, regardless of what state they call home - no matter what.” 

Since September, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California along with 40+ organizations have worked as members of the California Future of Abortion Council (CA FAB Council). The CA FAB Council plans to announce policy recommendations that state and local leaders can act on to increase access and affordability to abortion care. Learn more about the CA FAB Council here.

Additionally, the policy recommendations announced by the CA FAB Council will better prepare the state for a potential 3,000% increase in out-of-state women of reproductive age whose nearest health center would be located within California should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v Wade and 26 states immediate enact outright bans or extreme restrictions – as widely anticipated and expected. Read more about the impact on California here.

Lastly, 2021 has been the worst year for abortion access in history, with more than 106 abortion restrictions have been enacted in 19 states, including 12 abortion bans. However, recent polling has shown the majority of people across the country and throughout California do not want Roe v Wade overturned.

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Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California’s seven separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of sexual and reproductive health care and sex education.