In a devastating 6-3 decision on the case Dobbs vs. the Jackson Women's Health Organization, the US Supreme Court overturned the precedents of Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which protected women's constitutional right to abortion. The decision had been leaked earlier last month but was not official until today's ruling.

Abortion continues to be legal in Massachusetts. Thanks to the prescient advocacy of many from Boston and across the Commonwealth, the MA Legislature has passed laws in recent years that provide additional safeguards for this right. For information about how to get involved and how to access services, please see MOWA's Sexual and Reproductive Health Guide.

States will now be left to decide whether women will have the right to bodily autonomy. In many states, women will have already lost their right to access safe and legal abortions, because of trigger bans that will immediately go into effect. Many more states will soon follow.

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Abortion is healthcare and forced pregnancy will have health consequences, disproportionately felt in traditionally marginalized and underserved communities. Black women experience three times the maternal mortality risks as white women. There is no denying that further restricting abortion health care will increase the already vast health equity gap for black and brown communities.

In the words of Mayor Wu, "This cannot stand. In Boston we will never stop fighting for our freedoms and for each other."

The Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement is committed to meeting the moment. We will continue to protect reproductive rights for everyone and prepare for challenges that may come after this decision.

If you want to help ensure access to safe and legal abortion, consider donating to grass roots organizations through the National Network of Abortion Funds. Resources and support are directed to fill the gaps in care for pregnant people across the country, regardless of where they live.

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