Prohibiting Access to Abortion Endangers Patients Lives and Prevents Physicians from Practicing Evidenced-Based Care
The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) is gravely concerned about the far reaching impact of today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the restriction of access to reproductive healthcare. This decision allows legislators to make healthcare decisions on behalf of patients.
Contrary to what was stated in the majority opinion, abortions performed by trained healthcare practitioners are safe and can be life-saving. Medication abortions, which are done early in pregnancy, can be performed safely in the clinic or at home. As history has shown illegal abortions can be dangerous and life-threatening.
AMWA supports access to the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare. Decisions about abortion — just as with all medical decisions — should be made between patients and their physician or healthcare practitioner. The nuances and considerations involved in abortion care go far beyond what can be addressed through public discourse. Just as other complex healthcare decisions cannot and should not be decided by politicians or justices, neither should decisions about abortion.
This Supreme Court decision will have unintended consequences in other areas, such as in vitro fertilization, the care of frozen or unsuccessful embryos, treatment of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, cancer therapy, and other life saving measures. These factors impact the decision regarding abortion.
The American Medical Women’s Association stands firm in the right of individuals to access comprehensive reproductive healthcare, which includes abortion.
