FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: APHA Media Relations
Joint statement from APHA, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Nursing, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Physicians, North American Society for Adolescent and Pediatric Gynecology, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists
The medical community celebrates the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of June Medical Services v. Russo. This decision confirms once again that our justice system will not tolerate restrictions on our patients.
However, we recognize that the law overturned in this case was just one example of a litany of restrictive policies that seek to interfere with the patient-clinician relationship. We also know that access to care continues to be delayed or denied for many women due to systemic inequities and inequalities.
With the Supreme Court once again protecting the right to access safe, legal abortion, we now call on lawmakers to stop passing harmful, burdensome laws that target our patients. Policymakers must refrain from attempting to mandate if, when, and how we can provide them with the care they need.
It is time to stop legislating medical practice, and it is time for all lawmakers to recognize that reproductive health care is a critical part of comprehensive health care for all patients.
As clinicians and public health practitioners, we advocate for patients every day and in many ways. The decision in June Medical Services encourages us to continue to do so, and we will remain vigilant in our demand for patient-focused policies that will help us achieve health equity.
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The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.