What the End of Roe v. Wade Could Bring
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THE CHCF WEEKLY
May 10, 2022
Last week, a jaw-dropping report from POLITICO revealed the US Supreme Court has signaled its intention to strike down Roe v. Wade, endangering abortion rights across the country. In a leaked initial draft majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito writes, “Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences.”
But the high court’s decision, should it adopt the Alito draft, would have exceptionally damaging consequences for women and birthing people of color, those with low incomes, and those living in states with tight abortion restrictions and in rural areas. Overturning Roe would trickle down to negatively affect the health care workforce and reduce access to pregnancy care.
California lawmakers are already working to shore up protections for abortion access in the state.
From the Blog
Julia Strasser et al. The Supreme Court is moving toward reversing Roe v. Wade and eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion. This could have immeasurable negative effects on American women and families, including the loss of access to treatment associated with miscarriage. |
Heather Stringer The legislation could increase access to care for many Californians — but not until detailed standards have been adopted through regulations or changes in state law. |
Partner Spotlight
CALÓ NEWS, an initiative of the Latino Media Collaborative, launched its newsletter focused on issues affecting Latino/x health and wellbeing. The news site officially launches in July. Check out recent stories: Medi-Cal expansion for people age 50+ regardless of immigration status and the shortage of Latino/x doctors.
Upcoming Event
This two-year, part-time program helps all types of clinicians better lead change in today's complex environment. In a 30-minute webinar, prospective applicants can learn about the program's curriculum and hear directly from alumni about their experiences. Wednesday, May 11, Noon - 12:30 PM (PT).
Stories That Caught Our Attention
- A Rising Tally of Lonely Deaths on the Streets (New York Times)
More than ever before, it has become deadly to be homeless in America, especially for men in their 50s and 60s. Related: An article on The CHCF Blog highlights an ambitious effort to build a medical respite facility in the East Bay to serve this population.
- Can a Monthly Injection Be the Key to Curbing Addiction? These Experts Say Yes (California Healthline)
For patients being treated for opioid addiction, some California doctors recommend monthly shots of the drug buprenorphine rather than oral versions that must be taken daily. While these doctors consider the longer-acting protection a “game changer,” few other physicians are embracing injectable buprenorphine. Related: This CHCF publication covers the basics of buprenorphine prescribing for interested practitioners.
- Criminalizing Abortion: Cue the Enforcement Nightmare (Washington Post)
Ultimately, we would wind up with a society of snitches, suspicion, and distrust.
- Activists Call On Governor Newsom to Fund the Fight Against Health and Racial Inequities (Capital & Main)
Community-based organizations on the front lines take the brunt of health and racial disparities. Will California do something about it? Related: This article on The CHCF Blog focused on how one California organization that advances policies to reduce health disparities created an initiative to respond to the deep-rooted inequities brought into focus by the pandemic.
- 214,000 American Children Lost Parents to COVID-19. They Have ‘A Lifetime of Grief Ahead of Them’ (San Francisco Chronicle)
At least 32,500 children in California have lost a parent or primary caregiver to the virus. Children who lost their only parent or caregivers are largely in non-white households.
- Pulling Back the Curtain on Race and Health Care (New York Times) Reproductive health researcher Rachel Hardeman explains how she balances the work of building the new Center for Anti-Racism Research for Health Equity with efforts to prevent burnout. Related: CHCF worked with Hardeman and partners to develop a free online course that satisfies training requirements of the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act.
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