On Friday, June 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. This decision negates the inherent autonomy of all people who are able to get pregnant to choose what happens with their own bodies, and undermines the essence of choice and freedom.
As we reflect on this ruling at CVOEO, we do so through our mission's understanding of justice. We acknowledge the disproportionate impact that this decision, and many other laws, have on the people we serve. We fear for the ways this decision, and any decision that weakens reproductive justice, will exacerbate social and racial inequities as access to health care is restricted.
CVOEO is aligned with the Vermont Legislature in its support for the patient-physician relationship as codified in Act 47. If this time-honored relationship is ever abandoned and people lose their ability to direct their own health care, then the law’s promise of equal protection will leave our most vulnerable populations behind.
As individuals and as a society, I understand that we have strong, principled, and differing beliefs. Despite these differences we must move forward in support of one another with justice and dignity as our guide.
- Paul Dragon, Executive Director