The City has published an action guide for residents to learn more, find resources, and get involved.
PHILADELPHIA — Today, Mayor Jim Kenney issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The decision overturns Roe v. Wade (Roe) and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey (Casey) in defiance of nearly 50 years of precedent.
“I am deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court, an institution we depend upon to protect our residents and most fundamental values, has arrived at a decision that will reverse Roe v. Wade and make it even more difficult for people to access an abortion if they make the entirely personal and private decision to seek one. Today is a staggering setback and this decision sadly paves the way for even more attacks on our constitutional rights.
“Abortion is healthcare. It is wrong to force someone to remain pregnant when it’s not their choice, when it’s not the right time, or when it’s dangerous to their health or safety — a sad and dire reality for many. It is negligent to ‘ban abortion’ when abortion procedures will still happen, but are more likely to be unsafe under restrictive policies, needlessly and knowingly putting people’s lives at risk. And it is shameful to promote these policies in open pursuit of political power, under a ‘pro-life’ banner and in the name of innocents, while failing to use that power to protect our country’s children from the lethal dangers of poverty and violence.
“If you are sad, scared, or angry, I want you to know that you are not alone and this fight isn’t over. I am thankful that abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania, and right here in Philadelphia. Most Americans and most Pennsylvanians support legal access to abortion, and I stand with them. We are determined to do everything in our power to protect this right and support anyone affected by the Supreme Court’s decision.”
The City has published an action guide so that residents can learn more, find related resources, and get involved.