A statement on the SCOTUS decision from the Sisterhood Trust (Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, Brotherhood Crusade, CARECEN, and Community Coalition)
We are appalled and furious.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, reversing the constitutional right that was established nearly half a century ago for a person’s right to an abortion. This decision allows abortion rights to be determined by states, with 22 states having passed or preparing to pass laws that ban abortions or restrict them.
We, as the Sisterhood Trust, a coalition of culturally specific social justice organizations in Los Angeles with female executive leaders, condemn this decision. The health, rights and dignity that have been disregarded by the Supreme Court is a travesty and we stand in solidarity with all people who want and should have the right to choose.
This is catastrophic for all women and people who can become pregnant, overturning decades of constitutional precedent, violating human rights, removing a person’s right to privacy, and forcing our country backwards. Banning abortion will not stop abortions, but it will limit the availability of safe and accessible abortion. The existing structural discrimination and inequality within healthcare systems means marginalized communities will suffer the most from forced pregnancy.
This decision will fall hardest on the communities we serve; people of color, immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals. Not only cisgender women, but all those with the ability to bear children will suffer, such as trans men, intersex, and nonbinary individuals, who already face attacks.
The future of our civil liberties are at stake. The implications of the Supreme Court’s actions will go beyond abortion rights, and potentially endanger other fundamental rights, including same-sex marriage and access to contraceptives. This Court decision is a wakeup call that we cannot take our rights for granted. Progress is not guaranteed. We encourage you to get involved, use your voice, and continue pushing forward.
The Sisterhood Trust
Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, Executive Vice President, Community Coalition
Charisse Bremond Weaver, President & CEO, Brotherhood Crusade
Connie Chung Joe, CEO,Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
Camila Alvarez, Legal Director, CARECEN – Los Angeles
