Statement from Commissioner Melinda Kane

The statement below is by Commissioner Melinda Kane on behalf of the Board of Commissioners regarding the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

“This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States announced that it will overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 court case that guaranteed federal constitutional protections of abortion rights and leave states to decide whether to ban the procedure altogether. This is a devastating blow to women’s overall healthcare rights. The Supreme Court has made a deadly decision because as we know, overturning Roe v. Wade will not end abortion, it will only end safe abortions and access to healthcare for millions of women. This move will undoubtedly create a full-fledged public health crisis in this country.

The conservative majority on the Supreme Court has made it clear, they are acting in the best interest of a small minority of individuals, not in the best interest of all Americans. The Supreme Court has shown us that they view the incredibly difficult, lifechanging and private decision of abortion as a pawn for politicians, religious institutions or special interest groups to play to feed their own agendas.

The Board of Commissioners stands firmly on the side of women and we’re incredibly grateful that Gov. Phil Murphy has implemented legislation that will forever protect abortion in the state of New Jersey. This is a sad day in America, nevertheless, the Board will continue to fight and advocate for expanded healthcare rights for all women and a ensure that a right to choose is never legislated away.”