After Roe v. Wade California and the Nation
IMANI RUPERT-GORDON: In the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and held that the Constitution does not protect the right to an abortion. This is the first time that the court has reversed itself to take away rights as opposed to expanding individual rights, which is certainly concerning. We’re here today to discuss the impact on us here in California, and what Californians can be doing in this both historic and troubling moment. So we’re going to jump right in. Gilda, what was your reaction to this decision? GILDA GONZALES: A rolling thunder of different things. I think we are clear that as a result of the November 2016 presidential election, that this was the trajectory. One would say that we probably had four years to prepare ourselves. And then of course we had the leak [of the draft Dobbs decision] in May 2022, but nothing really prepares you for the actual moment. There was some emotion. My husband gave me a hug and then I had to go to work. By
AFTER THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
struck down Roe v. Wade, a panel of experts discussed what’s next. From the June 28, 2022, program “The Future of Abortion Rights in California: A Gathering of Voices.” Produced in partnership with Women’s March San Francisco and funded by a grant from The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness).
SYLVIA GHAZARIAN, Executive Director, Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project GILDA GONZALES, CEO, Planned Parenthood Northern California BUFFY WICKS, California State Assemblymember (District 15) IMANI RUPERT-GORDON, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights—Moderator commonwealthclub.org | THE COMMO N WE AL TH
23
