We Remain Committed to Advancing Reproductive Health

Dear Colleagues,   

For months we have been waiting for a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on a landmark reproductive rights case from the state of Mississippi. We now know the Court has overturned the constitutional right to an abortion established by Roe v. Wade. We had anticipated this ruling might be coming, of course, due to the leaked draft opinion—but now we are faced with the reality of the Court’s decision.   

As I have said previously, this issue goes far beyond politics. This ruling puts people’s health in danger. Its impact will soon be felt by individuals, families, and communities across the U.S. People of color and those with low incomes will be hardest hit, further exacerbating our country’s health inequities.  

I know this news is devastating for many of us—but we cannot see this as the end of an era. Our commitment to reproductive health remains paramount. At the Bloomberg School, many of our colleagues will continue their tireless efforts to support and advance all aspects of reproductive health care, including abortion. Our work in research, advocacy, policy, and communication will continue to protect health and save lives, even in the face of this ruling and its far-reaching consequences.  I hope you will read the statement from the School’s Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, which is available here.

And to all of you who marched in rallies, donated to clinics, called your representatives, and shared information on the public health impacts of this case—thank you. Your voices and actions matter, and I urge you to continue to speak out. We will meet this public health challenge as we have many that have come before: with evidence, innovation, determination, and courage.    

  Sincerely,  

Ellen J. MacKenzie, PhD ’79, ScM ’75  
Dean  
Bloomberg Distinguished Professor