Today’s announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade runs counter to the beliefs of the majority of Americans and health care providers across the country. This decision will cause irreparable harm to women as well as men, families, and communities. Now more than ever, nursing leaders like those from the JHSON community must lead efforts to minimize the effects of this historic setback to our nation’s health.
As I wrote in an op-ed to the Baltimore Sun with Bloomberg School of Public Health Dean Ellen Mackenzie, the overturning of Roe v. Wade will cause harm to the health and well-being of our nation and will widen already unequal access to care. Nurses excel in problem solving and we must find opportunities to provide and promote unrestricted personalized health and wellness for all individuals regardless of race, community, religion, social status or U.S. state. We must work together to advocate for state and federal legislation that protects the full range of reproductive health services, including abortion.
Our work to achieve health equity in the United States has gotten weightier today. This ruling also reignites our commitment to protect and provide equal access to health care and reproductive freedom. Thank you for your continued advocacy and support for the health of all people.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah L. Szanton, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dean, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Patricia M. Davidson Professor for Health Equity and Social Justice
