Dear Campus Community,
We are deeply troubled by the long-term ramifications for reproductive rights if the leaked draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization becomes law.
While only an initial draft opinion, the leaked document, if finalized and issued by the Court, would overturn the 1973 decision of Roe v. Wade and the 1992 decision of Planned Parenthood v. Casey signaling a dramatic and deeply disappointing withdrawal of a right protected by the Constitution. Protected by the Fourteenth Amendment's right to privacy, pregnant people have had the right to reproductive decision-making for nearly fifty years. Many are rightfully troubled that this reversal may mean the Supreme Court will review—and potentially overturn—cases relying on similar reasoning that led the federal government to recognize other civil rights.
University of California President Michael Drake announced on Monday that systemwide leaders will review the potential impacts on our community and operations, including health services, teaching, research, and public service missions. Similarly, campus leaders are evaluating how this possible reversal could impact our campus.
We support quality, affordable, and convenient health care for all people and are grateful that California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state leaders are working to protect reproductive rights in our state. UCSC Student Health Services continues to provide students with access to comprehensive reproductive health services and has long-standing referral relationships with community organizations.
Our country has made great strides over the past 50 years, yet as we are experiencing today, that progress is fragile and being threatened. We must all continue toward making a reality the more just and equitable future we can all envision and protect and advance human and civil rights for all people.
Sincerely,
Cindy and Lori
Cynthia Larive
Chancellor
Lori Kletzer
Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
