Dear Members of the HMS and HSDM Community:
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, thereby eliminating the constitutionally guaranteed and federally mandated right to abortion, effectively returning the regulation of this critical element of women’s autonomy and individual rights to each state.
Across the country and in our backyards, this decision is being condemned by some and applauded by others. No matter where you stand on this highly contentious issue, I ask that you remember our HMS mission, community values, and diversity statement. Together they signify our deep commitment to health and well-being for all, as well as integrity, dignity, and respect for individuals and for one another.
As a community of scholars and healers, regardless of our personal beliefs and opinions, we must be concerned about the adverse health implications of this decision, particularly for the most vulnerable among us. In a public statement, the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine said this decision could worsen reproductive health in the U.S. and exacerbate health inequities, citing the literature outlining these well-established facts:
“The U.S. already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates of any developed country, especially for women of color, and state laws and regulations limiting or impacting abortion create more barriers to obtaining safe and effective reproductive care. In addition, women with unintended pregnancies are less likely to receive needed prenatal care, can be at higher risk for medical complications, and are more likely to experience poor neonatal outcomes. In states that ban or severely limit access to abortion, geographic inequities are likely to worsen and widen the gap between women who can access safe abortion and those who cannot.”
The importance of high-quality, safe, and equitable access to full reproductive health services for anyone who may need them cannot be overstated. I stand with the leaders of our affiliated hospitals who on Friday reaffirmed this commitment to access in light of the court’s decision.
Our hospitals expect to welcome growing numbers of patients who will no longer have access to this care in their home communities. I acknowledge the compassion of clinicians who are caring for and consulting with patients on these extremely personal and difficult decisions, while providing the utmost confidentiality and respect for each individual. I have deep concerns about the chilling effect the Supreme Court ruling will have on health care providers who will be forced to weigh their responsibility for protecting a woman’s health against their personal liability in states that may outlaw particular types of care or may question their medical judgment.
Here in Massachusetts, the ROE Act of 2020 has codified equitable access to abortion services. Additionally, Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order on Friday further protecting access to reproductive health care services and specifically protecting reproductive health care providers who serve out-of-state residents.
If you are struggling with the implications of this ruling and wish to speak to someone, please take advantage of the University resources available to you, including Counseling and Mental Health Services for students, Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program and Work/Life Programs for faculty and employees, and the Harvard Ombuds Office, Longwood for all staff, trainees, faculty, and students.
Sincerely,
George Q. Daley
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Harvard University