Statement on Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN, president of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), issued the following statement on the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, thereby eliminating federal protection for women who choose abortion:

“This decision has significant implications for women’s reproductive health and choice. The ruling leaves it up to each state to determine its own laws regarding abortion.

“This issue cuts across party lines. And it is not a matter of being ‘for’ or ‘against’ abortion — it is about the right to choose.

Although Washington state law is clear in protecting the right to choose, this is not the case in many other states. Moreover, the court majority’s narrow view of constitutional rights leaves other rights — including access to contraception and the right to marry, among others —vulnerable.

“WSNA will continue to support efforts at the state and federal levels to protect privacy rights including the right to choose.

“We note that our national affiliates, the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), have both issued statements reaffirming their support for women’s reproductive health and the right to choose.”