A Letter to Our Community: Reflecting on Today’s Supreme Court Decision

Dear USES community,

Today’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling that established a right to an abortion nearly a half-century ago, is heartbreaking. Not only does this disregard a 50-year-old precedent, but it will undoubtedly exasperate persistent health disparities that disproportionately affect child-bearing people and people of color throughout the country.

Our mission here at USES is to offer programs and services that support economic mobility for families. We feel that a crucial part to accessing that mobility is acknowledging a person’s individual right to their own bodily autonomy. When, where and how to procreate is a decision we believe is best made by those directly involved in conception.

Data shows us that Black and Hispanic child-bearing people will be disproportionately impacted by today’s decision. Our hearts go out to the millions of women around the country whose rights are being peeled back by this ruling.

Abortion remains legal here in Massachusetts and the rest of New England. We stand with leaders and lawmakers working to protect the rights and safety of all patients and support Governor Baker’s executive order to protect access to reproductive health care services for everyone, including out of state people seeking an abortion. We pledge to continue to speak out in favor of further codifying laws in Massachusetts that make abortions safe, legal and protected.

We are also here to talk with anyone in our community who may be struggling with today’s news. This is a dark day for our country, but we move forward ready to fight for a future that respects the rights of all child-bearing people.

In Community,

Jerrell Cox, CEO

Melody Valdes, Chief Program Officer