June 24, 2022
Dear Members of Our Campus Community:
I am writing to share with you the statement issued today by UC President Michael Drake regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
"For nearly 50 years, people in the United States have had the right to make private, informed choices about their health care and their futures. I am gravely concerned that today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision removes that right and will endanger lives across the country. This decision overturns decades of legal precedent and could pave the way for other fundamental rights to be removed.
The Court’s decision is antithetical to the University of California’s mission and values. We strongly support allowing individuals to access evidence-based health care services and to make decisions about their own care in consultation with their medical team. Despite this decision by the Court, we will continue to provide the full range of health care options possible in California, including reproductive health services, and to steadfastly advocate for the needs of our patients, students, staff, and the communities we serve. We will also continue to offer comprehensive education and training to the next generation of health care providers, and to conduct life-saving research to the fullest extent possible.
This is a sobering moment for many of us at the University of California and throughout the nation. Today, we stand with California leaders and health care advocates who are taking critical steps to protect Californians’ human rights and their access to affordable and convenient health care choices."
I stand with President Drake and our colleagues across the UC system in affirming our commitment to the health and wellbeing of every member of our community, and the right for access to healthcare. We have many campus resources available for support and healthcare, including those highlighted in this message from our Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Margaret Klawunn.
We understand that the impact of the Supreme Court decision will be felt strongly by our academic community in many different ways. We are here to support each other and to engage together with this important national issue.
Sincerely,
Henry T. Yang
Chancellor