NHCSL Statement on the Second Anniversary of Dobbs v. JWHO

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, on the second anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) released the following statement:

“The past two years have starkly revealed the devastating effects of abortion bans and restrictions, particularly on communities of color.

“Before June 24th, 2022, access to abortion had been a right in name only for too many people, especially Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. The Dobbs decision has exacerbated these disparities, leaving people in 21 states with abortion bans or severe restrictions, further deepening the healthcare gap. Now, access to care is even more dependent on your zip code or your ability to afford and access travel for long distances to receive it.

“The members of our Caucus have seen firsthand the devastation of the past two years on countless individuals and their families. Hispanic Legislators have been on the front lines defending abortion and reproductive rights, working closely with Vice President Harris. Despite this, the continued pain and suffering endured by Americans across the country hasn’t been enough to put an end to the havoc Dobbs unleashed.

“For Latino communities, the stakes are particularly high. Our communities already face significant barriers to healthcare including language barriers, lack of insurance, and lower incomes. Cultural stigmas surrounding abortion further complicate access. This has put many Latino women and families in precarious situations, forcing them to seek unsafe alternatives or carry unwanted pregnancies to term, with lasting impacts on their health, economic stability, and overall well-being.

“Abortion is healthcare, and should be accessible to anyone who needs it, without having to put their lives, organs and fertility at risk to access it. We insist on putting our constituents’ rights, health and well-being above personal beliefs and make sure they — not us— have the power over their medical decisions, families and futures.

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The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 450 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.