Disability Rights Iowa is concerned about how the recent United States Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade may impact the Disability Community
Friday, June 24, 2022 the Supreme Court of the United States decided in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn the previous court decision in Roe v. Wade.
The Roe decision provided legal protections for reproductive health, rights, and autonomy for every individual on a federal level. Dobbs v. Jackson concluded that the protections provided through the Roe v. Wade decision were not provided within the text of the constitution and therefore removed protections for reproductive health at the federal level. Disability Rights Iowa is greatly concerned for the thousands of Iowans with disabilities and the implications the Dobbs decision has on their bodily autonomy and medical rights.
Disability Rights Iowa’s mission is to protect the civil and human rights of Iowans with disabilities – healthcare access being one of those rights. With the rollback of medical protections, Disability Rights Iowa is preparing for what might be taken away next, and the actions that can be taken to protect, advance, and advocate for the rights of all Iowans with Disabilities. Disability Rights Iowa advocates that all individuals with disabilities should possess the dignity to make decision regarding their lives and bodies. Overturning Roe disproportionately impacts individuals with disabilities.
“Disability Rights Iowa is committed to serving the human and civil rights of individuals with disabilities. We are certain reproductive rights are included within them,” Catherine Johnson, Executive Director, states. Disability Rights Iowa will continue to advocate for accessible healthcare, equality, civil rights, and justice.
