SiX in the Press: Two Years After Dobbs the Battle for Bodily Autonomy and Reproductive Rights Continues
“As relieved as I am about the ruling, this case never should’ve made it to the Supreme Court,” said Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Detroit). “The fact that it did shows just how fractured the reproductive rights landscape is and just how determined anti-abortion forces are to disrupt and deny people’s reproductive freedom. Despite this ruling, many pregnant people in the country will still lack access to medication abortion due to state bans and restrictions on telehealth. Protecting access to medication abortion is essential because it provides a nonsurgical option and is helpful for those living in rural communities. Furthermore, those who can become pregnant deserve to be given the power and freedom to make their own medical decisions, without outside judgment or interference like this ruling attempted to do.”
Last year, Sen. Geiss joined over 600 lawmakers across 49 states in submitted an amicus brief calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to review this case and reject a lower court ruling that would have undermined the FDA’s authority and reversed over 20 years of advancements in care. These lawmakers mobilized as members of State Innovation Exchange’s (SiX) Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council.
“Dismissing this case doesn’t reverse the damage that courts and anti-abortion extremists have already done,” said Jennifer Driver, Senior Director of Reproductive Rights at State Innovation Exchange. “For over a year, our judicial system has left people confused about what their options are when it comes to medication abortion, an incredibly safe and effective method for abortion care. While the Supreme Court did the bare minimum today, we know anti-abortion extremists aren’t stopping any time soon. We are clear-eyed about the future – the fight for abortion access is in the states, and we must recognize the power state legislators hold when it comes to protecting care. We’re working hand in hand with state legislators to secure and protect abortion access so that people on the ground can get the care they need.”