As an open and affirming child welfare-focused organization, we at Amara stand in solidarity with women, girls, and all people who can become pregnant and their fundamental human rights to bodily autonomy and reproductive health care. The World Health Organization defines abortion care as health care. Today’s Supreme Court decision to end the constitutional right to abortion will jeopardize the health and safety of millions of people. Women of color and low-income women will undoubtedly be disproportionately impacted by today’s ruling and the state laws that further restrict access to care. We also recognize the fear many feel that this ruling may open the door to overturning other hard-fought constitutional rights.
For those of us working with youth and families impacted by the child welfare system, today’s decision raises concerns about the far-reaching, life-changing impacts on the health and well-being of girls, women, people who can become pregnant, their future children, and their families. We know all too well the weaknesses of America’s social safety net. As our system currently stands, not enough resources are allocated to child and family well-being to ensure all families can thrive. Today’s ruling will bring more families into crisis with few places to turn for support. Without significant, sustained public investment in family, community, and child wellbeing including healthcare, behavioral health, education, housing, and child care, this decision will ripple for generations to come.
As an organization that has facilitated adoptions for more than 100 years, we also disagree with the notion that adoption is an alternative to abortion. Adoption is complex, nuanced, and involves tremendous work on behalf of everyone involved to mitigate the real grief and trauma children and families can experience.
While we are relieved to see the governors of Washington, Oregon, and California defend abortion care access via the Multi-State Commitment to Reproductive Freedom, we know that such a pact is only as strong as the political will that created it. We are proud to be in a state that protects the rights of women, girls, and all people who can become pregnant. As an organization, we will continue to advocate for the human and constitutional rights of all children and families.
Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash