GLSEN Condemns Supreme Court Opinion Overturning Roe

GLSEN Condemns Supreme Court Opinion Overturning Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 24, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturns Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that has affirmed the legal right to abortion care for the last 50 years, as well as Planned Parenthood v. Casey. In response to this opinion, GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision is a ploy to advance a cynical political agenda — one that gives a small and violent radical fringe the ability to impose their racist, sexist and transphobic beliefs on the bodies of others. While today’s ruling is about access to abortion care, this is just one facet of the larger ugly picture. As we have seen this year, there are dozens of bills passed in state houses across the country that similarly and inappropriately insert extreme political views between a patient and their doctor, a supportive parent and their child, and that allow adults to inspect the genitals of children — supposedly for their safety. Let us all admit what is true: the political agenda that won today is cynical, disgusting and unamerican. 

All people deserve bodily autonomy, freedom and the chance to raise families if, when or how we choose.  At GLSEN, we know that LGBTQ+ youth, especially trans youth, already face disproportionate barriers to compassionate, medically necessary and life-affirming health care. And this is simply not ok. Whether someone is seeking abortion care, gender-affirming care or mental health care — everyone must have unencumbered access to the medical care they need to thrive. We will continue to work with our partners to advance gender and reproductive justice. The fight for LGBTQ+ inclusive health resources and education in all schools is essential. We stand with those on the frontlines of the fight for reproductive justice and patient-directed care. We recognize and respect the bodily autonomy of all those seeking to end their own pregnancy. And despite the extremist position of the court and rogue lawmakers, we know the truth: the right to control one’s own body is universal and inalienable.

Given today’s decision, we should be honest with ourselves — this is just the beginning of the all-out assault on all of our bodies and our rights — whether we are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or have a disability — our opposition is emboldened and will only escalate their attacks on all of our rights.”