SCOTUS Decision Will Have Direct Impact On Access In Massachusetts And New England

The case presents a direct threat to the standing of Roe v Wade and abortion across the region

Boston, MA (December 3, 2021) - This week, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. The case involves a Mississippi law that prohibits nearly all abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy and is the first case specifically asking the Court to overturn Roe v. Wade since Justice Amy Coney Barrett's appointment.

The case presents a significant threat to reproductive freedom across the country and would impact abortion access in every state, including states such as Massachusetts where the right to abortion care has been codified into state law.

The following is a statement of Rebecca Hart-Holder, Executive Director of Reproductive Equity Now (formerly NARAL Massachusetts). Reproductive Equity Now is the state’s leading advocacy organization to protect and expand reproductive rights in the Commonwealth.

“This direct threat to Roe v. Wade and reproductive freedom has been coming for years. The fall of Roe has never been some far-off danger, it is an imminent threat. And make no mistake, its impact will be felt not only in anti-choice states, but in states like Massachusetts where we have been leaders in enacting laws to protect abortion rights.

Just because abortion will remain legal in Massachusetts doesn’t mean it will remain accessible. Massachusetts providers are already seeing patients coming here from Texas to access the abortion care they need. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe, advocates predict that 26 states will move quickly to ban abortion. Demand for aboriton care in Massachusetts will grow exponentially—limiting access and increasing pressure on a health care system that is already under extreme stress.

It is clear that abortion access is and always has been a state battle. Massachusetts can and must continue to ensure we have the strongest reproductive freedom laws in the country so we may be a beacon and example for others to follow. The legislature can start by passing proposed legislation that would improve access to emergency contraception, require public universities to provide medication abortion, and ensure access to full spectrum pregnancy care.”

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