Reproductive Justice

Abortion is no longer constitutionally protected in the United States of America.

For five decades, armed with the knowledge that the right to determine their reproductive future was protected by Roe, young women and others who are able to become pregnant had the ability to invest in their futures—through education, training, vocation, career, and everything in between. We know that abortion bans push young people out of the workplace and limit their educational opportunities and careers, with lifelong consequences that can and will impact their health and economic stability and opportunity for themselves and their families. For people of color, those consequences are more severe due to existing systemic racial inequities.

YWCA has supported access to abortion for more than 50 years. Most recently, to ensure the experiences and voices of young people were heard by the Supreme Court, YWCA USA proudly submitted an amicus or “friend of the court” brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade. The brief clearly outlined why YWCA USA firmly believes that access to abortion is a fundamental right. In response to this devastating decision by the Court, YWCA USA CEO, Margaret Mitchell, issued this statement.

Today, we’re in solidarity with advocates, leaders, parents, survivors of violence, allies, and everyone who believes that abortion is a fundamental right; we continue to advocate at all levels of governments for safe, accessible abortion care. Join us!