Escape

03 May NYSCASA Condemns SCOTUS Majority Draft Opinion on Roe v. Wade, Urges Lawmakers to Protect Access to Abortion Care

Posted at 22:03h in news, Statements by

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2022

Contact: Chel Miller, Communications Director, cmiller@nyscasa.org

New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault condemns SCOTUS draft opinion, urges NYS lawmakers protect access to abortion care

As an organization that works on behalf of gender-based violence victims/survivors and those that serve them throughout New York State, the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) affirms that all people deserve access to safe, legal, and accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare. Our position is rooted in our basic human rights to bodily autonomy, informed choice, and person-centered care.

NYSCASA is appalled by the draft opinion written by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. that has been leaked. While not a final decision, the draft opinion indicates that the U.S. Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade as they make a decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

If the Supreme Court decides to overturn Roe, abortion will continue to be legal nationwide. However, 13 states will immediately ban access to safe abortions, and more than half could severely restrict access. To be clear, this will not end abortion. It will end safe and legal abortions, which puts the lives of pregnant people at risk.

These bans prevent people from governing what happens to their own bodies, without coercion or force, shame or stigma, or other external interference. Many of these laws would also criminalize people, including medical providers who provide abortions and survivors of rape who seek abortion care, putting survivors at risk of prosecution and imprisonment simply for getting basic healthcare.

Exceptions for rape do not offer meaningful access to those who already face considerable obstacles in accessing medical care, especially when such exceptions require survivors to report their assault to law enforcement in order to access care. This can be re-traumatizing and dangerous, especially for Black and Muslim communities and all survivors from marginalized communities who historically have not been afforded the right to safely engage with law enforcement.

New York State must continue to be a leader in establishing that access to safe, legal, and accessible abortion care is nonnegotiable. Survivors and their allies plead with NYS lawmakers to urgently pass legislation that will codify protections for sexual and reproductive healthcare; particularly:

  • A9615 (Lavine)/S8778 (Kruger): “Relates to certain legal protections for providers of legal abortions in this state.”
  • A1926 (Reyes)/S758 (Biaggi): “Establishes the abortion access fund and allows taxpayers to make gifts to the fund.”
  • S7002 (Brouk): “Requires provision be made for pregnancy termination procedures in every hospital, surgical or medical policy offering maternity care coverage.”

Joanne Zannoni                                                        Tamika D. Payne
Executive Director                                                    President, Board of Directors
NYSCASA                                                                   NYSCASA
On behalf of members and staff                           On behalf of the Board of Directors

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Access Support

New Yorkers who have experienced sexual harassment, abuse, and assault can call the 24/7 New York State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence for free and confidential support from trained victim advocates (1-800-942-6906) or contact their local victim assistance program. Advocates and counselors are ready and available any time you need them.

To find an abortion provider near you, visit www.abortionfinder.org.

Learn More and Take Action

For more information, here are a few organizations to support and follow:

Contact your New York State lawmakers and tell them you support these bills that will protect New Yorkers’ access to abortion care:

  • A9615 (Lavine)/S8778 (Kruger): “Relates to certain legal protections for providers of legal abortions in this state.”
  • A1926 (Reyes)/S758 (Biaggi): “Establishes the abortion access fund and allows taxpayers to make gifts to the fund.”
  • S7002 (Brouk): “Requires provision be made for pregnancy termination procedures in every hospital, surgical or medical policy offering maternity care coverage.”
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