LOS ANGELES – June 24, 2022 – The Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County condemns the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision today in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which will overturn Roe v. Wade and end nearly 50 years of nationwide protection for access to safe abortion. As a result, we will see abortion rights revoked in about half of the states, potentially jeopardizing the lives of women and pregnant people across the country, whose ability to make decisions about their bodies will be limited and who may resort to potentially life-threatening alternatives to terminate their pregnancies.
Restrictions on access will disproportionately impact people who already face structural barriers to accessing care in this country, including people with low incomes, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, young people and others. In states with abortion bans, people will face enormous financial and logistical obstacles to receiving the care they need. Only those with financial means and wherewithal will have a choice for their care.
Safe access to abortion is a health equity issue. Community clinics and health centers are firmly committed to expanding comprehensive health care access to all people, regardless of ability to pay. “Women, girls and all birthing people should be free to make decisions about their own bodies and lives in consultation with their doctors,” said Louise McCarthy, CCALAC President and CEO.
“Fortunately, the state of California is committed to protecting the right to choose,” McCarthy added. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Governor, the legislature and partners across the state to protect and expand reproductive rights for all Californians.”
THE COMMUNITY CLINIC ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY (CCALAC) is the largest regional association of community clinics and health centers in California. Founded in 1994, CCALAC has 65 members that serve nearly 1.7 million patients throughout LA County. CCALAC is dedicated to serving and representing the interests of its member clinics as providers of quality health care, including medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services. For more information about CCALAC, visit www.ccalac.org or call (213) 201-6500.
Contact: Taryn Burks – Communications Specialist, media@ccalac.org | (213) 201-6529.