Statement: Supreme Court Decision on Abortion Undermines Racial, Economic, and Gender Justice

Maryland Center on Economic Policy President and CEO Benjamin Orr issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling today in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health overturning the nationwide right to an abortion:

“Today’s appalling Supreme Court decision overturning the fundamental right to abortion care established with Roe v. Wade nearly 50 years ago will have deep impacts on health and economic security, particularly for pregnant people of color and people with low incomes. The decision of whether and when to have children is and should be a personal one, and is deeply linked to health, wellbeing, and economic opportunity.

Like millions of other families, my wife and I have firsthand knowledge of the importance of unrestricted reproductive health care. About six years ago I had to rush my wife to the emergency room so that surgeons could remove an ectopic pregnancy (in which a fertilized egg attaches to the fallopian tube instead of the uterus) to save her life. A number of states are currently considering bills that would make this illegal and potentially prosecute the surgeon or me for acting to save her life. Everyone should have access to the reproductive health care they need, whatever the reason.

While abortion remains legal in Maryland and our state policymakers have taken positive steps to protect and expand access to abortion care, the new patchwork of abortion rights across the country and the threats to other fundamental rights will affect people in our state and require continued vigilance and additional action from our state’s elected leaders.

We all deserve the right to make decisions about our own bodies. Access to reproductive health care, including abortion, is part of the foundation that allows families and communities to thrive. It strengthens financial wellbeing and increases opportunities to get an education and advance careers. Maryland policymakers must remain committed to protecting this fundamental right and ensuring that all Marylanders have access to the care they need.”

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Media Contact: Kali Schumitz, 410-412-9105 ext. 701