Statement Regarding Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization June 24, 2022 Advocacy, General, Legislation The Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) strongly disagrees with the United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and deny Americans constitutionally guaranteed access to abortion services. This decision will lead to government interference in the patient-physician relationship, dangerous intrusion into the practice of medicine, and potentially the criminalization of critically needed lifesaving care. This decision will significantly reduce access to comprehensive reproductive health care services, exacerbate healthcare inequity, and cause harm to patients. As noted in the dissenting opinion, “above all others, women lacking financial resources will suffer from today’s decision.” The ACCMA calls on our leaders in Congress – particularly in the United States Senate – to take immediate action to enshrine in federal law a guaranteed right to comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion services, regardless of where someone lives. A handful of judges without medical expertise should not be dictating the healthcare choices of millions of women. The dissenting opinion also points out that this ruling may lead to more draconian efforts to restrict the ability of women in states with restrictive laws from accessing abortion services in other states. Congress must act immediately to reaffirm a woman’s right to choose, regardless of where they may live. To our patients in the East Bay, we want to affirm that this Supreme Court decision will not limit your ability to access abortion services in our community. California’s strong abortion access laws provide legal protections for those seeking comprehensive reproductive care. Efforts are underway in Sacramento to further protect access to abortion services, including through a constitutional amendment. The ACCMA respects the diversity of religious and ideological viewpoints about the ethics of abortion. We believe physicians should have the choice of whether to perform abortions, and that patients should have the choice, within reasonable limits, of whether to obtain abortions. In consultation with their physician, patients should continue to have the ability to make choices about their health care, regardless of where they may live. In summary, we strongly disagree with today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision and urge Congress to act immediately to reaffirm a woman’s right to choose.