Today, the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson overturns the precedents set by Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey; and ends the federal right to abortion after nearly 50 years of protections.

While we have had more than a month to process this possibility since the leaked draft opinion on May 2nd, it does not make it any easier to sit with this ruling today.

Here at OutFront Minnesota we believe that abortion rights are LGBTQ+ rights. We know that queer women, nonbinary people, transgender men, and gender-expansive folks have always sought abortion; and will continue to seek the care we know is right for our lives and our bodies. We unequivocally support safe access to essential reproductive and sexual health care for all LGBTQ+ people. Today’s ruling only reinforces our commitment to these values.

Beyond the immediate implications for abortion and reproductive health care, OutFront Minnesota is deeply concerned about the broader implications of today’s ruling for the LGBTQ+ community. Many of the critical Supreme Court decisions that underpin our established federal rights - from Lawrence to Obergefell - are rooted in the same rights to privacy that were critical to Roe. While there are no immediate actions to overturn those precedents, there are very real concerns that future challenges may seek to relitigate these important protections. We continue to watch to see how this will impact hard-fought victories for our community, and stand ready to protect the rights of our LGBTQ+ community in this state and beyond. 

Whatever comes, we will be here with you.

The reality is we are facing a new reality for reproductive and privacy rights here in the United States. Today’s decision will have a far-reaching and immediate impact on abortion access including many of our neighboring states; so-called “trigger laws” and pre-Roe restrictions on abortion will take effect - banning or significantly limiting abortion rights  in numerous states and we anticipate that many states may seek to further curtail access in the weeks and months ahead. And that is only the beginning of how this decision will reshape our national landscape.

In Minnesota, we are fortunate the right to abortion and essential privacy rights are grounded in our state constitution - notably through the 1995 Doe v. Gomez ruling. But as today’s Supreme Court ruling shows, we cannot take court precedent as a given, nor can we remain complacent when our essential rights are at stake.

We also recognize that while the impact of this ruling on all Americans cannot be overstated, the effects of this decision will be felt most acutely by members of marginalized populations - including people with disabilities and BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities who already face significant inequities in accessing critical care.

As Dr. Anindita Dasgupta notes, “access to safe abortion is an essential component of comprehensive and necessary reproductive health care, and…leaving decisions on abortion access to states is an act of racism, targeting BIPOC communities, and creating a society of forced birth.”

It is essential that we view today’s ruling, and the work ahead, through an intersectional lens.

OutFront along with our partners in the UnRestrict coalition are committed to protecting abortion rights in Minnesota. And we will continue to do all we can to expand access to reproductive care and to ensure our state’s commitments to privacy and bodily autonomy.

Join us in standing up, speaking out, and staying engaged in the work to build a more equitable Minnesota.

And, as you process today’s decision, know that you are not alone. If you need a shoulder to lean on, you can speak with a trained advocate in our Anti-Violence Program at 612-822-0127 option 3. We are here to listen, validate, and provide resources.

In strength and solidarity.

Kat Rohn
Executive Director
OutFront Minnesota