The Dobbs Decision for Women with Serious Illness

If you are a woman living with a serious illness, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade puts you more at risk. Leading health organizations and thought leaders have echoed similar concerns on the future impact over patient autonomy, quality care, and health equity. 

The AAMC and CAPC released statements concerned over the impact this decision will have on the doctor-patient relationship, which is crucial for effective discussions and shared decision-making. The AMA stated that “physicians are committed to protecting our patients' privacy—a crucial element for honest health discussions. Yet, we learn more each day that personal health information is no longer private.” 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Community Catalyst came out strongly about the ruling’s impact on health equity.  Community Catalyst’s Executive Director Emily Stewart said that the Dobbs decision “undermines democracy by taking agency away from historically excluded communities that already face unprecedented restrictions on their bodies, decisions, family and life.”

ASCO and the ACS-CAN stated that they are concerned with treatment options for cancer being delayed due to pregnancy. ACS-CAN declared that “as some states signal a determination to define personhood at fertilization, we are concerned about potential threats to a pregnant woman’s ability to receive rapid cancer treatment.” 

And yet, it appears that these legal constraints on women’s bodies will proliferate in many states despite clear opposition from “experts”. 

These social and legal changes that put women’s health in peril should remind us how important it is to take an active role in your healthcare. Draconian, antiquated laws aside, if we do not take an active role in our healthcare, we put ourselves at risk.  

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