After media reported a leak that the Supreme Court of the United States will be overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Dr. Jamila Perritt, President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health and ob/gyn in DC responds:
“Tonight, Politico reported that in a majority draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito the Supreme Court is intending to vote to strike down Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which established and protected the constitutional right to abortion. While the opinion is not final, nor does it include the other thoughts and opinions of the remaining Justices, it affirms what we have known to be true: a majority of the Supreme Court of the United States intends to take away the constitutional right to abortion without regard to what our communities need and in spite of the majority of our friends, family members, and neighbors supporting access to this is essential health care.
“This is devastating and it is exactly what we feared as the Trump administration stacked the courts with extreme, anti-abortion judges. Legislators have long claimed that restricting abortion intended to improve the health and well being of families. We know that this is blatantly false.
“This decision is not final. Providers in most places can continue providing abortion care for their communities, but it doesn’t change the reality of this moment and how painful this is. We are reeling with shock and disappointment. But at the forefront of our minds tonight are the people and communities we care for. We know that regardless of what the Supreme Court decides, people will continue to need care. We will continue to support each other, show up for one another, and care for our communities. Because that’s what we know how to do best.”