A Disaster for Women’s Rights and Health Care, Especially for People of Color

Richmond, Va. — After the release of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, Virginia Organizing Chairperson Ladelle McWhorter released the following statement on behalf of the State Governing Board:

“While our members hold different personal views on the topic of abortion, we all believe that the Supreme Court is dead wrong. The government should not criminalize or limit access to reproductive health care, including abortion. Sex, birth control, abortion, pregnancy – these are all personal health matters that everyone should have the ability to make decisions about for themselves, based on their own beliefs, without interference from politicians or judges. We must respect everyone’s right to dignity and privacy in family planning and health care.

“We know that attempts to criminalize abortion lead to discrimination against women and pregnant people, especially low-income women, trans people, and women of color. Virginia’s health care system already has a shamefully poor record in Black maternal mortality. If decision-makers attempt to further limit access to abortion, Black and immigrant women will be most likely to experience intimidation and denial of needed health care, which could be life-threatening.

“Virginia Organizing has been working for many years to dismantle systemic racism and end mass incarceration. We are well aware of the Commonwealth’s long history of oppression over the bodies of Black and other marginalized women. We don’t want to see Virginia interfere—yet again—in a woman’s freedom to make decisions about her own body, especially since these invasive laws are likely to be used to intimidate, criminalize, and threaten the lives of people of color. The Commonwealth must respect the rights and dignity of all Virginians.”

To interview a spokesperson, contact Rosemary Gould at 434-962-7261 or rosemary@virginia-organizing.org.