June 24, 2022 (New York) – The Unites States Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe V. Wade ended women’s constitutional right to an abortion after almost fifty years.
Statement from José Luis Castro, CEO and President, Vital Strategies
“Since 1973, the Roe decision has enshrined the rights of women to make their own decisions about their health. Today’s decision, almost fifty years later, is a tragic setback, curtailing the rights of tens of millions and putting their health and futures in jeopardy. Access to abortion is an essential component of any public health system and a human right. The data show that restricting access to abortion leads to shorter, sicker lives for far too many women. As the fight to preserve these rights moves to the states in the short-term, public health and health care professionals should speak with one voice: access to abortion is essential to a future where everyone has their fullest potential to live long, prosperous lives.”
Statement from Onikepe Owolabi, Program Director, Women’s Health
“Abortion access is an essential health and human right. Women with access to abortion live longer, healthier and more productive lives. The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade sets the U.S. back decades when it comes to women’s health, and imposes undue emotional, social and financial costs on women. Moreover, the costs of this decision will be born by women who are already the least protected by public helath systems, further driving inequity and health disparities.”
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes every person should be protected by a strong public health system. Our team combines evidence-based strategies with innovation to help develop and implement sound public health policies, manage programs efficiently, strengthen data systems, conduct research, and design strategic communication campaigns for policy and behavior change. To find out more, please visit vstrategystage.wpengine.com or Twitter @VitalStrat.
Media Contact
Ally Davis: adavis@vitalstrategies.org