For Immediate Release: 6/24/22
Contact: Jess Davidson, jdavidson@aapd.com
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States Supreme Court announced its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision has overturned the court’s rulings in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, ending any federal right to abortion.
After the initial draft of this decision was leaked, The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) released a formal statement opposing efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade, and to any other legislative and judicial restrictions on abortion rights. Bodily autonomy is a core principle of the disability rights movement, and disabled people have fought hard to win respect for our capacities, the right to make our own choices, and the support and access necessary to participate fully in American life. We believe wholeheartedly in these values and principles.
“This decision threatens the true meaning of many values that are proclaimed to be core American values: freedom of choice, self-determination, and independence from government interference in one’s personal affairs,” said Maria Town, President and CEO of AAPD.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision does not just threaten value systems and rights, but the health and safety of disabled people. This decision will cause grave, and in many cases, lethal, bodily harm to far too many disabled people, especially those who already face the most significant barriers to accessing reproductive health care – low-income disabled people, disabled people of color and disabled LGBTQIA+ people. We must do all we can to preserve bodily autonomy and prevent further harm. All people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on the timeline they choose, and in the community they trust. Abortion care is vital health care that needs to be accessible, funded, and recognized. The Biden Administration must do everything within its executive authority to protect access to reproductive health care, including removing barriers in insurance coverage and increasing the availability of accessible diagnostic medical equipment. ”
“This decision is deeply concerning because of its potential implications for future attacks to the right to privacy and other personal rights surrounding marriage, intimacy, sterilization, medical care, housing, speech, and more.”
The next right steps in our fight to ensure all people can get the care they need may not immediately be clear, and we know that this time feels terrifying and uncertain for many. As we find a way forward, we will be guided by our belief that each person deserves to live, work, and make decisions about our health and our future with dignity and respect. AAPD will continue to provide updates and information about how this landscape will impact people with disabilities and will continue to fight for a future where everyone can live with self-determination and dignity.
###