UnidosUS Releases Statement Regarding the Overturning of Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON, DC— Following today’s announcement that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, Janet Murguía, President and CEO of  UnidosUS, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply dismayed to see this Court overturn longstanding and fundamental precedent in an extreme decision that runs counter to the views of most Americans, including most Hispanics. And we are very concerned about the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on the rights and health of millions of women, particularly in states where large numbers of Latinas reside.

“The Latino community knows what it is like to have rights taken away, to be disrespected, and to have ordinary activity criminalized. As a civil rights organization, we believe we must side with protecting women’s rights, and not with a process that eviscerates them. A majority of women— and a majority of Latinas—want the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their health and well-being, and believe these decisions should be a private matter between them and their health care provider.

“We are also concerned that new laws will create another target for enforcement actions in communities of color. Under such laws, lower-income and women of color—as well as medical personnel—will be far more vulnerable to prosecution and penalties. This decision creates extreme barriers for women attempting to access reproductive health care and will exacerbate the considerable health inequities that already exist. It is now even more urgent to ensure that reproductive health care is accessible, affordable, and safe for every woman who needs it.

“Finally, until this fundamental right is restored, this issue is now in the hands of state political leaders and those who elect them. As such, UnidosUS believes that women, including Latinas, must be front and center in this debate. We are focused on registering Latinas to vote so that they can engage in the political process, make their voices heard, and their votes count.”