Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

June 24, 2022

Dear Members of the Yale Community,

Today, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the United States Supreme Court overruled its decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The effect of today’s decision is that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to choose an abortion in this country.

Legal experts, including those at Yale and around the country, will be analyzing the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision and monitoring federal and state legislation in response to Dobbs. In the meantime, Yale will continue to follow Connecticut law regarding reproductive rights and services in our home state.

Under legislation passed in 1990 with overwhelming bipartisan support, Connecticut preserves the legal right to abortion independently of the Supreme Court’s decision. This spring, the General Assembly enacted further protections through Public Act 22-19 with substantial bipartisan support. This act endeavors to shield providers and persons from being prosecuted by other states, permits them to recover legal expenses if sued outside Connecticut, and affirms that advanced practice registered nurses, nurse midwives, and physician assistants may perform certain abortions. In signing Public Act 22-19, Governor Lamont stated clearly that patients, with their doctors, should make choices on pregnancy and abortion. In addition, Governor Lamont was one of seventeen governors who on May 3 called upon Congress to codify the right to an abortion in law.

Today’s Supreme Court decision, which overturns a landmark ruling that has been upheld for over forty-nine years, is deeply disturbing for many in our community and across the country. In this moment, regardless of what our personal viewpoints may be, let us treat one another with compassion as we face this new reality together. For those who will be attending rallies or protests, please do so peacefully. Free expression and peaceable assembly are fundamental rights in the United States, which Yale will always uphold. You can find policies on campus free expression and peaceable assembly on this website.

Scholars at Yale who are at the leading edge of research and practice in health equity and access will be contributing to the national discourse and informing policy decisions in the coming months and beyond. Our shared commitment to light and truth, knowledge, and understanding has never been more needed. As we grapple with the serious implications of the Court’s decision, know that the university is committed to the health and well-being of every member of our community.

Sincerely,

Peter Salovey
President
Chris Argyris Professor of Psychology