From the Board of Directors: JLSF Statement on Abortion Rights

Mural of "Health Care Is A Right"

Corner of South Van Ness and Mission Street, San Francisco, 2022

The Junior League of San Francisco affirms that healthcare is a human right, and abortion care is healthcare. As a non-partisan organization, we recognize that some of our members may have personal views that differ from that stance, and we support your right to your personal beliefs.

As a local women’s organization with 834 active and sustaining members, we believe it is essential for people who can become pregnant to have autonomy over their bodies.

We acknowledge that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), low-income, and other marginalized women have been historically and disproportionately affected by lack of access to healthcare, including abortion, and the decision by the US Supreme Court is anticipated to particularly prevent members of marginalized groups from accessing the healthcare they need, whether that healthcare is abortion, contraception, or other life-altering, private decisions.

We support the bodily autonomy of human beings, including women, and their right to access the healthcare they see fit for themselves.

Abortion remains legal in the state of California, and Governor Gavin Newsom is currently affirming legislation protecting Californians from civil liability for providing, aiding, or receiving an abortion in the state. The law also protects out-of-state patients who travel to California for abortion from lawsuits in other states, and additionally protects providers who come to California to provide abortions. Additionally, minors do not need parental consent to receive an abortion in California.

Members may contact their elected representatives (information below) to express individual opinions and concerns regarding abortion.*

Each of us likely loves someone who has had an abortion. We just may not know it.

News:

Support and Information:

Politicians*:

What Happens Next?

The Supreme Court Just Overturned Roe v. Wade – What Happens Next?The Guardian

With Roe v. Wade Overturned, What Comes Next for Abortion Rights? – ACLU

Here’s How To Fight For Abortion Rights Now That Roe Is GoneBuzzFeed News

 

*Individual members who wish to advocate on the topic of abortion with any legislative or other representatives should do this advocacy on their own behalf, and not as a representative of the Junior League of San Francisco. It is the role of the Advocacy Committee and State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) to advocate behalf of the Junior League of San Francisco.