Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

This morning, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 ruling, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion after almost 50 years.

We at San Francisco AIDS Foundation are absolutely devastated to learn the news today that Roe v. Wade has been overturned. As healthcare providers and harm reduction practitioners who fight every day for the rights of all people to have open access to caring and supportive harm reduction and sexual health care that they need, we are gutted by a decision that will result in millions of people–including the most vulnerable in our communities–losing access to critical healthcare services that we want, need, and deserve.  

“Today, the Court continued its assault on the American people. First, its decision on guns earlier this week and now Roe,” said Tyler TerMeer, PhD, CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. “This decision by the Supreme Court means one thing… more people will die.” 

In a separate opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas signaled the next move of conservatives – to attack LGBTQ people. 

“Justice Thomas wants to ensure queer and trans people remain second-class citizens in the United States,” Dr. TerMeer said. “He wants to criminalize our bodies and relationships. This decision will also have horrific implications for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in this country, who are already harmed by so many aspects of our healthcare system.” 

The decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade not only will prevent millions of people from being able to access abortion care and reproductive health care, but opens the door for states to strip away other rights related to bodily autonomy–including the right to contraceptives, PrEP, same-sex marriage, and the right to use drugs safely and with harm reduction resources. 

“We will not let this heinous decision break our communities’ collective soul,” said Dr. TerMeer. “First we agonize, then we organize.”

What you can do & ways to show up:

Join Planned Parenthood to rally for our rights. Find a rally near you or text ACCESS to 22422.

Decision Day Action in Oakland: We Won’t Go Back. Oscar Grant Plaza (Frank Ogawa Plaza), in Downtown Oakland, 5 pm. More details.

National Advocates for Pregnant Women ensures that no one is arrested or dehumanized because they have the capacity for pregnancy, are pregnant, or because of any pregnancy outcome. Join the movement. 

Make a donation to the National Network of Abortion Funds. Abortion funds provide funding, travel, lodging, and other wrap-around supports. This network of abortion funds exists to fill the gaps in care. More info.   

This decision will further devastate access to abortions in the U.S. South. Support organizations like Sister Song.

Have questions about accessing abortion care in California?

This article outlines answers to many of our questions.

Planned Parenthood also has information on resources. Call 1-800-230-PLAN or visit http://AbortionFinder.org.