Statement on the Leaked Draft Supreme Court Ruling Overturning Roe V. Wade
United Democratic Club stands with organizations across San Francisco in condemning the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion, authored by Justice Alito, which overturns Roe v. Wade. We firmly believe in an individual’s right to choose to seek a medically safe abortion, and encourage our members to donate their time and money to reputable organizations that support an individual’s right to choose such as:
- Access to Reproductive Health Care and Services — Easy access to looking up clinics and funds near you
- Abortion Funds — Abortion funds across the United States
- Access Reproductive Justice (800) 376–4636 — Bilingual ACCESS Healthline, and it is a crucial link to resources for people in need of reproductive healthcare and related supports
Supporting Organizations Fighting for Reproductive Freedom:
- NARAL Pro-Choice America
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund
- Emily’s List
- The California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom
We also urge community members to access mental health support as needed. Some resources include:
- Access to Mental Health Support Youth Crisis Line (800) 843–5200
- San Francisco Crisis Line (415) 781–0500 or text CRISIS to (415) 200–2920
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1–800–273–8255 or send a text message to 838255
Demonstrating Solidarity at Events & Rallies
Visit bansoff.org to show up at a rally or event near you. The site is being updated around the clock and new events are being organized every day.
The full statement which we have co-signed with the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, several other San Francisco Democratic Clubs, and other community organizations is below:
We are appalled and angered by the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion, authored by Justice Alito, which overturns Roe v. Wade. In his opinion, Justice Alito denigrates Roe v. Wade, failing to recognize the power granted by the Constitution to protect the fundamental right to privacy of pregnant people under the 14th Amendment, on which Roe v. Wade is based. We wholeheartedly, as we have in the past, condemn cruel and backward positions on basic human rights. An individual’s right to choose to have a safe, medically sound abortion allows them to have autonomy over their own body; it protects their right to privacy; it leaves personal medical decisions to individuals, their families and their doctors.
The draft writes that the rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment must be “deeply rooted in the Nation’s history and tradition,” stating that “abortion does not fall within this category…[as] such a right was entirely unknown in American law.” Aside from the fact that the statement ignores that abortions have been a common practice across the existence of the human race, such language goes far beyond reproductive rights but jeopardizes the 14th Amendment rights for every single person in the United States. This decision will have wide rippling effects that we cannot fathom. The Supreme Court’s position reflects a movement of subverting people’s individual rights, undermining work and voices of advocates, and eliminating the progress we have desperately fought for.
Healthcare is a human right, and access to reproductive services, including abortion, are cornerstone of a person’s autonomy. Limited access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, is already far too difficult, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, those without the financial means to secure care, and other marginalized communities. This decision will exacerbate the challenges low income and at risk individuals face when seeking routine medical care. As the former President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Faye Wattleton, stated: “Reproductive freedom is critical to a whole range of issues. If we can’t take charge of this most personal aspect of our lives, we can’t take care of anything. It should not be seen as a privilege or as a benefit, but a fundamental human right.”
The draft opinion undermines the value of precedent and poses an extreme danger to individual freedoms beyond reproductive rights. If, as it stated, the only rights we are entitled to are those specifically stated within the Constitution, then many more marginalized communities and their rights are in peril. We are on the precipice of a dangerous era if there is not a concerted effort by organizations, Congressmembers, and individuals to assert and reclaim the right of access to abortion care and prevent the criminalization of those procuring and assisting in abortion access.
We are grateful to be in a state that believes in protecting the right to abortion and ensuring our right to make choices about our own bodies and healthcare. We know that is not the case in many states, and we will support organizations and efforts across the United States to ensure access to quality healthcare and medically sound abortions. We will be at the frontlines of this fight.
We urge community members to contact their Senators and Congressmembers to demand their support for the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755). We also ask that those who can donate to abortion providers and pro-choice advocacy groups that continue to provide immediate help to people seeking care.
Signed,
United Democratic Club
San Francisco Women’s Political Committee
Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club
Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club
D2 Democratic Club
Bernal Heights Democratic Club
Rose Pak Democratic Club
San Francisco Young Democrats
SWANA Democratic Club
Eastern Neighborhoods Democratic Club
Willie B Kennedy Democratic Club
San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club
Noe Valley Democratic Club
Edwin M. Lee Asian Pacific Democratic Club
San Francisco District 11 Democratic Club
Women’s March SF
San Francisco Berniecrats
