SCOTUS Leak Suggests Worst Fears

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2022
Media Contacts: [email protected]; 202-918-7768

Today, Politico reported that an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito circulated inside the Supreme Court, showing that the Court has at least initially voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Although the Court’s holding will not be final until it is published, the immediate impact of the ruling as drafted would be to end a half-century guarantee of federal constitutional protection of abortion rights and allow each state to decide whether to restrict or ban abortion.

Statement from Melissa Fowler, National Abortion Federation’s Chief Program Officer:

“Tonight’s reported leaked draft opinion appears to confirm abortion advocates’ worst fears come true; we have been bracing for this horrific moment. This decision—if published as final—will gut access in half of the country and will have an absolutely devastating impact on those in need of essential abortion care in many parts of the country.

It’s important to remember that abortion is still legal throughout the nation, and the NAF Hotline is still active and providing financial assistance to help people get the abortion care they need. Along with our members, we will continue to help people across the country access care quickly even if that means helping patients find providers and assist with their travel, if their life circumstances allow it. If you need help finding an abortion provider, call the NAF Hotline at 1-800-772-9100.”

Additionally, we know that a number of clinics are likely to see a rise in harassment and violence from extremists emboldened by this news. We are committed to continuing to offer security services to our member facilities, including preparedness trainings, facility and residential security assessments, and law enforcement assistance through our provider security program.

NAF is working closely with our members to navigate how this ruling will impact abortion care in each state and how we can continue to provide essential treatment, even beyond the final ruling. We will keep fighting until every person, no matter where we live, how much money we make, or what we look like, has the freedom to make our own decisions about our lives, our bodies, and futures.”