The Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry is deeply distressed over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overrules Roe v. Wade, which has been settled law for nearly half a century recognizing the constitutional right to abortion. This decision violates human rights. It intrudes on clinical decision making and the doctor-patient relationship. This decision will directly affect both the physical and mental health of many women and disproportionately impact women of color and those in underserved communities most affected by the lack of access to affordable and safe medical care. It will also impact medical professionals who may now face criminal legal sanctions for providing clinically sound reproductive health care for unwanted, forced or unsafe pregnancy.
We urge Congress and the administration to act immediately to protect access to abortion services, medical treatment in the best interest of our patients.
Health care, including reproductive health care, is essential for physical and mental health. ACLP stands by the APA and the AMA and their position statements on this decision:
https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/APA-Statement-on-Dobbs-v-Jackson