WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) will oppose a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate access to essential reproductive health care. A majority of states are already poised to prohibit abortion outright, overturning what has been a firmly established law for almost 50 years. This will increase burdens on vulnerable populations. Communities of color, people who earn a low income, people who are LGBTQ+, and people living in rural communities who have already been harmed by the state-led efforts to restrict insurance coverage of reproductive care or criminalize the provision of abortion services will be the most severely impacted. Furthermore, the overturning of Roe v. Wade sets a dangerous precedent for the erasure of an individual’s right to bodily autonomy as well as the right to exercise freedom of choice in accessing health care services. Such a dramatic change in course in legal precedent will further divide our nation and embolden efforts tto erode essential personal protections of civil liberties and human rights. While a final opinion by the Court has not officially been released, NASW remains resolute in its commitment to protect reproductive rights and freedoms as outlined in our 2021 Blueprint of Federal Social Policy Priorities. NASW affirms all individuals have a right to bodily autonomy, that abortion is health care, and that all individuals have the right to freedom of choice in accessing essential health care services most especially their reproductive health. ADDITIONAL NASW STATEMENTS: NASW Texas statement on leaked Supreme Court draft opinion RESOURCES: Reproductive Rights legal cases handled by the NASW Legal Defense Fund NASW Women's Issues website NASW National Committee on Women's Issues Social Workers' Role in Abortion Access (NASW Michigan) Recent NASW Social Work Blog entries on reproductive rights: NASW on amicus brief before U.S. Supreme Court that seeks to overturn Texas abortion law Texas abortion law could put social workers in legal jeopardy: Please sign petition NASW National Committee on Women’s Issues denounces attacks on reproductive rights
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.
The National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF) is a charitable organization created to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through the advancement of social work practice.
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