What the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade means for abortion access

Today, the Supreme Court released its decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. (An initial opinion draft was leaked in May.) In its official ruling, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which means that the legality of abortion will now be up to each state. While abortion is still legal in the states Hey Jane operates in (among many other states)—and it’s your right to access care—this decision is still a devastating blow to millions of people seeking normal, essential healthcare. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, what Hey Jane is doing to ensure abortion access to those who need it, and what you can do to take action.

What is the Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization?

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization centers around the constitutionality of a Mississippi law passed in 2018. This law bans abortion after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy in Mississippi. Lower courts issued preliminary injunctions—meaning that the state couldn’t enforce the law—because of the precedent set by Planned Parenthood v. Casey (a Supreme Court ruling from 1992 that prevented states from banning abortion before “fetal viability” around 24 weeks) and Roe v. Wade (the landmark Supreme Court ruling from 1973 that asserted the constitutional right to an abortion).

Today, a majority of the Supreme Court justices have ruled that the Mississippi abortion ban is constitutional—and goes beyond that by explicitly overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

What does it mean to 'overturn Roe v. Wade'?

By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has decided that there is no constitutional right to an abortion, and that it is now up to each state in the US to determine the legality of abortion. This means that individual states now have the right to ban abortion completely—and 26 states are certain or likely to do so because of pre-existing restrictions, abortion trigger laws, or legislation in the works.

“The Supreme Court is on the wrong side of history today,” says Kiki Freedman, Hey Jane’s co-founder and CEO. “By overturning Roe v Wade, these activist justices are attacking individual liberty and putting the health of millions of people at risk. This out-of-touch decision turns back the clocks on equal rights at a time when the majority of Americans believe everyone should have access to safe abortion.”

What does the Supreme Court decision mean for abortion care from Hey Jane?

Let us be clear: Abortion is still legal in the states Hey Jane operates in—California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Virginia, and Washington—and it’s your right to access care. “As a telemedicine provider of safe and effective medication abortion, Hey Jane will continue treating patients and providing high-quality abortion access,” says Kiki. Our supportive and compassionate clinical care team is here to support anyone who is eligible for care with Hey Jane.

But the reality is that everyone, no matter where they live, will be impacted in some way by this decision. Some in-person clinics in states without abortion restrictions have already reported long wait times for appointments; given that “the majority of abortions are performed through medication,” says Kiki, “we expect that abortion care via mailed medication will become the most viable form of access for most people moving forward.” 

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How can access to abortion pills and telemedicine abortion care help? 

Telemedicine abortion care is able to significantly cut down time and distance traveled for patients. Hey Jane’s telemedicine model also means we can cut down on wait times and help take on patients from overburdened in-person clinics—our patients have a provider consult within 24 hours. Treatment with Hey Jane is less than the average in-clinic price, and we partner with abortion funds to provide financial assistance if needed.

And Hey Jane’s Complete Care approach addresses additional emotional burdens that some may feel from the extra barriers they will be facing. Our clinical care team is available (by text, phone, or video) for not just medical support, but also emotional support. Plus all Hey Jane patients have access to our private peer-to-peer support forum—before, during and after their treatment. 

If you or someone you know needs an abortion, Hey Jane is here for you. Text us with any questions you may have: (405) 643-7957. Live in a state Hey Jane is not currently in? Plan C is a great resource for finding information on medication abortion in every state.

What can I do to support abortion access?

For the millions of people who are heartbroken by today’s decision, there are concrete ways to act. And if you'd like to join us in the fight for abortion access, sign up to be a Hey Jane ally and be the first to know about other upcoming actions and ways you can support abortion access.

Spread the word about medication abortion

‍Medication abortion is a safe, effective, common, and private abortion option. While a majority of abortions performed in the US are medication abortions, only 1 in 4 people know about this option. Use your platform to spread the word—to your friends, your family, your community.

Donate to an abortion fund or practical support groups

Abortion funds—which are able to cover costs for those who need assistance paying for an abortion—have been vital in helping to get people the care they need; they will play an even more important role in the future. Now more than ever, they need your support. You can find your local abortion fund through the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), donate to NNAF directly, or donate to one of Hey Jane’s official abortion fund partners.

There are also practical support groups, which help coordinate and pay for other logistical needs that come up—such as transportation to/from a clinic, hotel stays, childcare, and more. These are often entirely funded by donations, so please consider supporting The Brigid Alliance, Jane’s Due Process, or another local practical support organization (you can find one through Apiary Collective).

Tell your elected officials to protect abortion providers and patients

It’s past time for states to pass laws that support abortion access. We’re already starting to see states like New York and Connecticut do this, but we need even more states to step up. Urge your state representatives to prioritize passing legislation that will protect providers, patients (both from in and out of state), and clinics. These state laws are imperative to prevent a chilling effect in the immediate future. 

Join an abortion rights protest near you

Across the country, people are organizing marches and rallies in support of abortion access. You can find an event near you at map.wewontgoback.com. Don’t see one near you? You can organize one yourself and add it to their directory!

This decision is a huge setback for equality and justice, but the movement for abortion access is committed, organized, and more motivated than ever. Hey Jane will continue doing our part to provide safe, effective, and private telemedicine abortion care to everyone who needs this essential healthcare.