Oakland, CA – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, which guaranteed federal constitutional protections to access safe abortion care. This decision will have far reaching detrimental effects across the country, disproportionately impacting communities of color and those experiencing financial hardships.
The ruling will also lead to a confusing and contradictory web of state-based policies with implications at the state and national level. California could likely see an increased demand for services, including telehealth, which raises licensing and payment questions, potential capacity or access concerns for California residents, and questions about how this ruling could impact our future workforce and physician training. Also, misinformation about the services available in California could further exacerbate racial and ethnic disparities in reproductive health care and maternal outcomes.
California’s 21 public health care systems, the core of the state’s safety net, remain steadfast in their mission to provide high-quality, culturally appropriate, and comprehensive health care, including reproductive health. They remain available for those who need it most, regardless of insurance status, immigration status, or any other circumstance. After two long years of caring for some of the most at-risk patients during COVID-19, our commitment to care for our patients has never been stronger. As we face this new attack on access to reproductive health, we will continue to honor our mission and serve our community now and in the future.
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Statement Attributable to:
Erica Murray
President and CEO
California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems
Contact:
Megan Renfrew
Director of Communications
mrenfrew@caph.org