June 28, 2022
Committed to advancing women and gender equity, The Women’s Place and the President and Provost’s Council on Women (PPCW) express our concern about the effect that the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade will have for the health, freedom and economic well-being of women and people of all genders. For nearly the past 50 years, reproductive rights have helped to facilitate women’s success in pursuing higher education and pathbreaking careers. Limiting the range of reproductive options will have far-reaching impacts, especially for economically disadvantaged pregnant people and the communities that already lack adequate medical and social services.
In higher education in particular, this ruling may place more students at risk of curtailing or delaying their educations. At Ohio State, programs such as the Critical Difference Re-entry Scholarships seek to recognize and eradicate the difficult choice that many make between parenting and college. But for students as well as faculty and staff, influence over one’s own reproductive outcomes—as well as institutional and public supports for parents and families—better enable people to shape their careers and build full lives.
In a message to the university issued in advance of the ruling, President Kristina Johnson anticipated that the Supreme Court’s rulings inevitably would “impact our nation and the communities in which we live.” As university leaders contemplate any needed “adjustments to Ohio State’s services, course offerings or resources to be in compliance with the law,” we hope that this will be a time to both maintain expansive healthcare services and to extend resources that benefit families.
The vision of The Women’s Place is to ensure that women and all people can “thrive, advance, and make their full contributions,” while the President and Provost’s Council on Women stands to “Champion all women. No exceptions.” We stand together in supporting women’s autonomy, safety and well-being and reproductive justice for all.
