Before Roe's Repeal, California's University System Promised Students Would Still Get Abortions

One might not expect a state educational institution to specifically champion abortion. But that one likely doesn’t live in California.

At a recent Board of Regents meeting, President Michael Drake made clear that the University of California system would preserve abortion.

Here’s how Michael put it on May 18th, in light of the leaked document indicating SCOTUS may overturn Roe v. Wade:

“I’d like to begin this morning by acknowledging an issue that’s on the minds of many of us. And that is the leaked draft Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.”

He noted such an occurrence could affect pregnancies nationally. But the president made sure not to suggest that only women can conceive:

“The outcome of this case could have significant impact on the rights and health of pregnant people throughout the nation.”

It’s a popular thing to make clear:

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Michael said California’s state university system was “actively reviewing the potential impacts on our community and operations” of a Roe reversal. Repercussions might involve “patient care at [the state’s] hospitals,” along with “research, teaching and public service missions.”

Make no mistake — the UC system stands on the side of abortion:

“I want to state unequivocally that we at the University of California believe that all people should have access to the full range of affordable and convenient healthcare of their choosing, including reproductive health services.”

As you likely know, Roe’s 1973 decision hailed a constitutional right to privacy, though such a right isn’t explicitly guaranteed by the nation’s founding document. Michael called to the notion as well, as he promised students their abortions would be facilitated:

“We believe in the right to privacy. We will do all we can to ensure that these basic rights are preserved here in California. I also want to reassure our students that their access to comprehensive reproductive health services will continue at our campuses student health centers, and we will also maintain our longstanding referral relationships with community facilities for abortion services when requested by students.”

Of course, Roe v. Wade was overturned Friday, sending shockwaves across the country. The decision places the issue of abortion back into the hands of the states, and there’s sure to be no tightening of regulations in California.

Still, the educational apparatus wanted to ensure everyone what side it was on — not just regarding abortion, but also gender identity.

Culture has changed substantially. And in one direction, California is leading the way. But it isn’t the only direction the country is moving; not by far, especially now…

Alabama Judge Grants Emergency Motion on Abortion, as a Contrast of Two Americas Sharpenshttps://t.co/9VuR0hGsI7

— Alex Parker (@alexparker1984) June 24, 2022