Press Statement on Leaked SCOTUS Roe v. Wade Opinion
May 3, 2022 5:01 pmMedia Contact: Elena M. Teare, elenat@openarmsps.org
PRESS STATEMENT (MAY 3, 2022) – Yesterday’s publication of Supreme Court Justice Alito’s draft opinion on overturning the constitutional right to abortion is devastating and represents an unprecedented turning point in the erosion of civil liberties in this country. Yet, reproductive justice organizations across the nation are prepared for this moment and as of now, Roe v. Wade still stands.
The wave of activism behind overturning Roe v. Wade is also behind denying birthing people access to the health and social services necessary for safe pregnancies and births, postpartum care, and material support needed to give new families a strong start. The attack on abortion rights is only the first step in a larger agenda to restrict other essential social and health services, including hormonal contraceptives. It also is just the latest assault on the bodily autonomy of Americans that will further endanger the health of economically oppressed Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
Open Arms firmly believes that all individuals have the right to have their reproductive choices honored at every stage, including if or when to become a biological parent. Open Arms stands in solidarity with all of our families and with all of our partner reproductive justice organizations in the struggle to keep abortion safe and accessible for all people who seek it. We reiterate our commitment to our communities to support their journeys through the health system with equitable treatment and without stigma and judgment, in a way that meets each individual and family’s unique needs.
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Founded in 1997, Open Arms is the first independent, community-based program in Washington State to provide comprehensive perinatal services to over four thousand economically marginalized families. We are a predominantly BIPOC organization that provides free support during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood with birth and community-based outreach doula services, lactation counseling, and social service referrals to over 500 families annually throughout the Puget Sound region.