SACRAMENTO, CA – Responding to today’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and various reactions, here’s a statement from Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition.
“We share the anger of majority of Americans about the Supreme Court of overturning a 50-year precedent and the constitutional right to access critical health care services.
“Abortion is health care. We know we stand with our allies and millions to ensure safe access to needed care, including reproductive health services, at the state *and* federal level.
“We are proud that California is taking steps to ensure access to abortion and reproductive health services, including for low-income, uninsured, and others who need it most, even as we continue the long and ongoing federal fight. We urge Californians to continue to take advantage of abortion services, which are protected and covered in all state-regulated health plans. We appreciate our California agencies redoubling their efforts to safeguards these services, and our state policymakers for advancing additional reforms and investments. Health care advocates proudly support SCA10 to enshrine a right to abortion into the state constitution, to better fend off these attacks.”
“As much as we must do in California, we also can’t ignore the national impacts of this devastating decision, which will harm the health and wellness of people across the country, with a disproportionate impact of low income, BIPOC, and other disadvantaged communities. We must pour our frustrations into the federal fight, especially as those behind this decision seem intent on pursuing a national ban on abortion, and also undoing other rights with regard to contraception and other areas of reproductive health, and much more.
“We will continue our work to have California lead the way to ensure quality, affordable, equitable, and comprehensive health care for everyone. No exceptions, no exclusions.”