Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention position statement: Reaffirming our commitment to women's reproductive rights.

Abstract

The Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention embodies a group of scientists dedicated to improving pregnancy outcomes through research and education. The Supreme Court decision on June 24, 2022, in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case overturns Roe v. Wade and directs decision-making regarding abortion rights to the individual state level. Many women will not have access to the reproductive health care they need, and this decision violates human rights. This decision will directly affect both the physical and mental health of many women and disproportionately impact women of color and those in underserved communities most affected by the lack of access to affordable and safe medical care. This ruling intrudes on clinical decision-making and the doctor–patient relationship. It will also impact medical professionals who may now face criminal sanctions for providing clinically sound reproductive health care for unwanted, forced, unsafe, or complicated pregnancies. The Society supports the right to access scientific information about reproductive health, and believes that reproductive health care should be grounded in evidence-based medicine, with medical decisions based on discussions between the patient and her clinicians. We urge Congress and the Administration to act immediately to protect access to reproductive health care including abortion services. The Society urges all legislators (federal, state, and local) to act immediately to protect the right to access the necessary information to make informed decisions on reproductive health care and to protect healthcare professionals from any reprisals. Health care, including reproductive health care, is essential for physical and mental health.