Planned Parenthood Clergy Advocacy Board Statement on Anniversary of Roe v. Wade 

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Advocacy Board (CAB) recognized the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which established the constitutional right to an abortion. The anniversary arrives as the Supreme Court appears prepared to erase or significantly erode nearly 50 years of precedent set forth in that 1973 decision. Overturning Roe would likely eliminate abortion access in more than half the states in the country.

Statement from the Reverend Burl Salmon, chair, Clergy Advocacy Board of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“As faith leaders, we represent a diversity of religious faiths that share common values calling us to support each person’s ability to make sexual and reproductive health decisions for themselves. We are called to provide care for our communities. Our pastoral experience is that pregnant persons must have access to the medical care that is right for them — without interference from politicians. Everyone—no matter where they live or their socio-economic status–deserves access to health care without barriers or political roadblocks. That includes access to abortion. But as we mark the anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade decision, we recognize that the fundamental right to reproductive freedom is at risk like never before. Abortion restrictions and bans, which are being enacted across the country, have disproportionate consequences for Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, young people, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and those having difficulty making ends meet. These bans have no place in our communities, and we stand with those across the country fighting for reproductive rights, freedoms, and justice.”

Background on the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Advocacy Board:

Building on the long history of faith leaders taking an active role in supporting reproductive health care, the Clergy Advocacy Board has been working with Planned Parenthood at the national and state levels to further the goal of full reproductive rights and freedom for all people for more than two decades. Its members, who are dedicated clergy and faith leaders from different denominations and communities throughout the U.S., lead a national effort to increase public awareness of the theological and moral basis for advocating reproductive health.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.