July 1, 2022
As an organization whose vision is health and flourishing for all, we are deeply disturbed by the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the precedent for nearly 50 years that protected the right to abortion. Beyond political and social perspectives, this is a population and public health issue—the end of Roe will further perpetuate serious and enduring health inequities, causing disproportionate harm to historically marginalized communities.
The overturning of this long-standing precedent undermines decades of public health research showing the importance of comprehensive reproductive health care for sustained health and well-being. In a country where maternal mortality is on the rise, especially among Black populations, and access to complete and equitable care was already limited by many factors, further restricting these critical services endangers not just people who may become pregnant, but their families and communities, as well. Whether it is attempting to carry an unsafe pregnancy or seeking termination “underground” due to lack of accessible care, many will be forced to make decisions that could risk their lives.
Health is our most basic and essential asset, and we firmly believe that reproductive health services, including abortion, are essential components of comprehensive healthcare. Understanding the many interconnected determinants of health has long been part of Nova’s work—the far-reaching, practical repercussions of this decision will only compound the persistent challenges we face to achieving an equitable and thriving world.
