American Society for Reproductive Medicine Applauds Supreme Court Abortion Decision
Jun 29, 2020
By: ASRM
Origin: ASRM Bulletin
June Medical v. Russo, Upholding Ruling from Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) applauds today’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold its binding ruling from Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt. In the ruling, the Supreme Court said the law mandating that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, was unconstitutional. The decision appropriately recognizes the impact of access to abortion and is a victory for reproductive justice and gender equality in America.ASRM was among the 14 organizations that filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court to uphold its ruling in Hellerstedt that highlighted the negative impact of the restrictions on women, particularly those of color, with low-income. The brief argued that medical evidence shows abortion is extremely safe and that admitting privilege requirements in state law are not medically necessary. They are not evidence of a provider’s competency, and may, in fact, jeopardize women’s health by limiting access to safe and legal abortion.
“This historic decision ensures that women face fewer barriers to receiving legal healthcare,” stated Dr. Catherine Racowsky, President of ASRM. She continued, “This is a triumph for women to make their own decisions about their health and family planning.”
Dr. Ricardo Azziz, ASRM CEO, said, “We are committed to protecting access to all forms of reproductive health care and oppose restrictions on providers that do nothing to increase patient safety. As an ethical matter, it is our duty to do so.”
ASRM works to ensure every patient has access to the reproductive health services they need without political interference. The society remains in the ongoing battle to ensure that such rights are supported from the federal judiciary to the Supreme Court.
The importance of the ruling should not be minimalized. The high court’s action supports prior decisions that guarantee women’s rights to control their reproductive choices. The ruling will avert efforts to use unnecessary regulations to weaken a woman’s right to make her own health decisions.
ASRM is committed to protecting access to all forms of reproductive health care. The society opposes restrictions on providers that do nothing to increase patient safety, while making it more difficult for patients to access the care they need.