WASHINGTON – As the voice for over 2.2 million domestic workers in the United States — largely women of color and immigrant women who will face new forms of danger, harm and vulnerability as a result of today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade — National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) President Ai-jen Poo and Executive Director Jenn Stowe issued the following statement:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively blocking necessary access to abortion health care for millions across the country, is a threat to the existence of a future we know is possible: One where we care more, not less, about the safety, health and well-being of women, women of color, immigrant women, birthing people and their families.
“Our vision for safety includes economic freedom, which is impossible if we do not control our own reproductive futures. Working class women are already faced with the cruel reality of having little to no support for their family caregiving needs, even as they must work full-time to make ends meet. We refuse to accept a reality where they are forced into pregnancy unless they have the economic means to travel to a state where these essential services remain legal.
“While today’s decision will force women and birthing people to make impossible choices about their futures, we must remember one thing: Abortion is health care and abortion will remain legal in many states. As the domestic worker movement, representing a workforce that has faced generations of racial exclusion, we refuse to let our fundamental health care rights be taken away in a nation that doesn’t adequately support childcare, paid leave, or services to support older people and people with disabilities.
“Every single day, domestic workers are entrusted with caring for children, people with disabilities, older adults, and veterans. We should also be trusted to make decisions about our own bodies and futures, as well.
“We are ramping up our efforts to fight for a future where everyone has control over their reproductive health and the ability to care for the people they love. We are the architects of our own futures, and like our ancestors before, we will continue organizing until we can all live with the dignity, respect, safety and rights that we are entitled to.”
It is critical to ensure that all Americans know that abortion is still legal and accessible in a variety of ways, despite today’s decision. Those needing abortion services can find them at https://www.abortionfinder.org/. Those who want to support one or more of many abortion funds across the country can do so at https://www.abortionfunds.org.
