The American Humanist Association (AHA) is outraged by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s draft majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which was leaked on May 2, 2022. The draft opinion indicates that the court is prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade and cut off access to abortion care for millions of people across the country. 

“Access to safe and legal abortion is about more than reproductive choice and freedom. It is also about economic justice, racial justice, and our inherent right to self-determination,” comments Nadya Dutchin, Executive Director of the AHA. “This leaked draft shows us what humanists and the American Humanist Association have known; religious extremism continues to undermine good government and advance a bleak and regressive future.”

The AHA urges elected officials to act now and protect the rights of their constituents. We must end the filibuster and codify Roe to restore the people’s trust in their elected officials. Extremist minority rule is a threat to realizing an inclusive democracy. 

“Overturning Roe has broader implications that would increase ongoing threats targeting LGBTQ+ people, contraception access, and marriage equality. The same rationale and strategy that Alito outlined in this draft opinion could be used to undo years of progress our movements have made toward a truly inclusive and pluralistic society,” concludes Dutchin. 

Although the draft gives insight into how some justices may be looking at this case, it is important to remember that abortion is still currently legal in most states. The AHA will continue to fight to protect reproductive rights through our policy work. Please also consider supporting local abortion funds to help remove barriers to abortion access for people seeking care: https://abortionfunds.org/