WASHINGTON – Today the United States Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban in a 6-3 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and overturned the nearly 50 year precedent set by Roe v. Wade. The decision will allow for the most restrictive abortion bans in our nation’s history, and may trigger dormant abortion bans that were enacted prior to Roe.
Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement:
“Today, the Supreme Court failed our society by taking the unprecedented step of eliminating the rights to privacy and personal autonomy that have been in effect for nearly a half century. The majority decision by conservative Justices will harm those seeking an abortion and abortion care, especially for underserved communities including Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women, and other immigrant women and women of color.
“Abortion care is health care. Reproductive justice is health care. Today’s decision will not deter our mission for equitable access to quality health care, no matter who we are or where we live. While the Supreme Court has moved this country backwards, APIAHF will continue to move forward; we will fight for equity in women’s health, AA and NHPI health, immigrant health, LGBTQ+ health, and the health of all underserved and underrepresented communities. We call upon our leaders in all branches of government, state legislatures, and fellow advocates to stand with us to protect reproductive rights.”
# # #
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.