We are heartbroken by the U.S. Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision to upend settled law and overturn Roe vs. Wade. The decision will disproportionately impact those who are already marginalized: people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, low income patients, undocumented individuals, and many others. Given this precedent, we are concerned about the ways privacy and equity may be further eroded by the court.
Survivors of sexual violence need and deserve healthcare that is affordable, accessible, and timely. We know that Friday’s decision will have a devastating impact on many survivors of sexual violence given that unwanted pregnancy could be an outcome of an assault. The decision and discourse surrounding it may be very triggering for survivors who have had this experience or feel disempowered by a significant infringement on their autonomy.
Every person’s inherent right to bodily autonomy is central to our mission. We all must have the power to make choices about our own bodies. Sexual violence is a violation of a survivor’s right to autonomy, and reclaiming power after that is often a critical part of their healing. Reproductive healthcare choices, like consent to sexual activity, are deeply personal decisions. As the sole expert in their own life, each person must be able to make these choices with utmost dignity, respect, safety, and privacy.
We are thankful to live and work in a state that continues to concur with our values. This past legislative session, we supported collaborative efforts to uphold and maintain access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare and justice in Connecticut. The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act legally protects medical providers and patients traveling here seeking abortion care. It also allows for advanced practitioners to perform abortion given their qualification to do so, providing greater and more timely access to necessary reproductive healthcare. Additionally, Roe v. Wade was codified in our state Constitution in 1990. We are grateful for this continued access to care for Connecticut’s residents and those who come here to seek our help.
The Alliance will always advocate for your rights to make decisions about your own body. Know that you are not alone. Our hotline is available 24/7 and remains a free and confidential resource to anyone impacted by the issue of sexual violence. Advocates will provide you with all your options and support your choices free of judgment. We’re always here to listen if you are reminded of past experiences and want someone supportive to process that with. We believe you and we are here to support and affirm you – no matter what the future holds, we stand with you.
We can do something. Follow these links to take action:
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
In Solidarity,
The Alliance Team