Summary

"The decision about whether and when to have a child is a constitutional and human right. We are committed to preserving reproductive freedom and advancing health equity in King County, regardless of what the SCOTUS majority decides."

Story

With arguments taking place at the U.S. Supreme Court today in Dobbs v. Jackson, a case from Mississippi regarding that state's ban on abortion after 15 weeks, Executive Constantine issued the following statement:

"Today the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, an attempt by the state of Mississippi to overturn Roe v. Wade. I understand that opponents of the constitutional right to abortion have turned to arguing that the procedure has become obsolete due to advances in women’s economic status. They make this disingenuous argument even in the context of three million American women having been forced to leave the workforce during the pandemic. And they fail to acknowledge the fact that the places with the most restrictive abortion policies have the highest rates of infant and maternal mortality.

"In King County, we are facing those realities, and we are doing something about them, by supporting family planning to minimize unintended pregnancy, protecting access to abortion services when needed, and making investments that prioritize health, economic justice and stability for women, children, and families.

"The decision about whether and when to have a child is a constitutional and human right. We are committed to preserving reproductive freedom and advancing health equity in King County, regardless of what the SCOTUS majority decides."

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537