GEO statement on overturning of Roe V. Wade

Fellow workers,

Yesterday the news broke that the US Supreme Court has overturned the Roe v. Wade decision. We are both saddened and outraged by the implications this ruling has for people across the country who will no longer have access to safe abortions.

GEO’s stance is that access to safe and free abortions is a human right, like all other healthcare. This ruling represents an attack on bodily autonomy, and it directly impacts many women and trans people, especially those who are multiply marginalized.

The labor movement has played a pivotal role in expanding access to healthcare for workers. Reducing this access is not only discriminatory toward the country’s most marginalized populations, it represents a continuation of legislative decisions that are openly hostile and defamatory towards working people.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, everyone has the legal right to reproductive healthcare services regardless of residence. For GEO members who use the Student Health Benefits Plan, elective abortions are and will remain covered.

To any of our members who are impacted by this, please do not hesitate to reach out to geo@umass.edu and we will do everything we can to find the resources that you need. Finally, we stand in solidarity with those organizing for access to safe abortions in states where there is a total ban. We are including a non-exhaustive list of local resources, and a list of organizations to donate to at the end of this email.

In Solidarity,
GEO Leadership

Resources:

List of Massachusetts Laws Regarding Abortion

On Campus Resources:

UHS Women’s Health Clinic

UHS Sexual Health Care

Center for Counseling & Psychological Health

Center for Women & Community
Men & Masculinities Center

Stonewall Center (LGBTQ+)

Local Organizations:

Tapestry Health (multiple locations)

Planned Parenthood (Springfield)