In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision, which established the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. in 1973, Contra Costa Health officials today reaffirmed “its commitment to reproductive health rights” and ensured county residents “may access safe, compassionate care, including abortion services.”
The Supreme Court decision gives individual states the power to set their own abortion laws. A number of U.S. states are expected to restrict or outlaw abortion. California is not among them. Roe v. Wade had permitted abortions during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade “has understandably raised fears in the community about the future of reproductive rights,” said Contra Costa County officials, who released a statement today reaffirming that abortion services remain safe and legal in the county.
“In Contra Costa County, everyone will continue to have the same access to reproductive health care as they did before this decision,” the County said. “Supportive, confidential services are and will remain widely available in the county.”
Karen Mitchoff, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, said the “ability to access reproductive care – and to maintain autonomy over our own bodies – is essential to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community.”
“I remember a time when we did not have the right to choose,” Mitchoff said. “Here in Contra Costa County, we will do everything we can to not go back to those days.”
Many primary care providers in the county offer abortion services, and the county is also served by Planned Parenthood Northern California, which offers a full range of services at several locations in the county, including in Richmond’s Hilltop neighborhood. Contra Costa Health also provides a range of services through its Women’s Health Services clinics, including “pap smears, breast exams, contraception, pregnancy testing, options counseling, STD/HIV testing and referrals to other services, including abortion services.” Women with low income may qualify for no-cost or reduced-cost services – call 925-608-5360 for more information.
