Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson
I am writing following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, which removed access to reproductive and medical care by overturning the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade decision.
I have taken the last week to process information and emotions before reaching out to you. I’d like to share items that were helpful to me in that process. As you consider this decision, and seek to make meaning in your own personal and professional life, you might find the following helpful:
- VCU NEWS Exploring the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson: Perspectives from faculty in the Department of Political Science; Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs; Department of Psychology; and Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies
- CSWE and NASW statements on the Supreme Court decision
As current and future social workers (and educators), we are acutely aware of the disproportionate impact of a ruling such as this on people and communities of color, low-income families and anyone with limited access to healthcare and contraceptives.
Our practice as social workers is guided by the NASW’s code of ethics, particularly in regard to valuing social justice and the dignity and worth of the person. We will continue to work and advocate for those who are most vulnerable.
There are no easy solutions, but one important step is to ensure you vote and encourage those in your circles to do the same. Voting is Social Work is an initiative sponsored by the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work and offers valuable resources in putting social work ethics and values into action through nonpartisan voter engagement.
Thank you all for your continued commitment to the work that we do. I am grateful for our caring and committed community.
Rebecca Gomez, Ph.D., LCSW
Interim Dean and Associate Professor