As we all continue to advocate against the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, ABCD is proactively trying to do its part to minimize the effects of this devastating decision. We are gravely concerned about the disproportionate impact it will have on under-resourced communities, particularly those of color: it is only the latest threat to our fight to achieve health equity. ABCD firmly believes that choice is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution and remains committed to providing women, in collaboration with our network of health centers and other partners, with access to emergency contraceptives and family planning counseling, which includes counseling on pregnancy termination.
We would also like to highlight measures the federal government and Massachusetts have taken to protect a woman’s right to an abortion.
- President Biden has issued an Executive Order on Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services, directing agencies to ensure access to emergency medical contraceptives, protect the safety of those seeking to access abortions, and protect patient data, amongst other things. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued information On June 29, 2022, informing Title X grantees, like ABCD, that federal funds may be used to provide emergency contraceptives and options counseling, including abortion counseling, to in-state and out-of-state residents. (letter and FAQs)
- Governor Baker issued Executive Order 600: Protecting Access to Reproductive Health Care Services in the Commonwealth reiterating that abortion is legal in Massachusetts and protecting providers who serve out-of-state residents.
- The Massachusetts House and Senate have both passed legislation to protect the right to an abortion, requiring Massachusetts to cover abortions and build-in protections for providers performing abortions for out-of-state residents, amongst other things.
ABCD remains committed to serving those in need and advocating for this fundamental right. Clients are encouraged to access services by visiting bostonabcd.org/family-planning or emailing family.planning@bostonabcd.org.
Sharon Scott-Chandler, Esq.
ABCD President and CEO
