Reproductive Health Rights Reaffirmed in Contra Costa County

This message is sent on behalf of Karen Mitchoff, Chair of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, and Anna Roth, Contra Costa Health Director.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court trashed nearly 50 years of established legal precedence and undermined the ability of women to control their reproductive health.

While highly anticipated, the Court's decision to overturn the right to abortion is nevertheless shocking, devastating and promises to erode our nation's commitment to health equity.

This will not be the case in Contra Costa County. Despite the Court’s ill-considered decision, all women will continue to have unfettered access to reproductive health care in our county. Our commitment to safeguarding the health of every person in our county demands that we continue to ensure access to safe, compassionate care, including abortion services.

The Supreme Court’s decision denies the realities of the world in which we live. The United States ranks last overall among all industrialized nations in maternal mortality. Our mortality rate for Black mothers is nearly three times that of white mothers. While other wealthy nations contribute approximately $14,000 a year toward childcare, the U.S. provides a paltry $500. And American families are still struggling to regain their economic footing following the worst pandemic in a century. In this environment, any action to limit reproductive healthcare is not only misguided, it’s dangerous.

For that reason, Contra Costa County reaffirms its commitment to ensuring supportive, confidential reproductive health care services. The ability to access reproductive care and to maintain autonomy over our own bodies is essential to the health and well-being of every member of our community. Any loss of reproductive rights threatens us all, particularly women, and especially communities of color, and others disproportionately affected by health inequities. Less access to care in Contra Costa County would only deepen those inequities.

Friday’s Supreme Court decision has led to consternation, fear and confusion. So let us be clear—in Contra Costa County the Court’s reactionary decision will have zero impact. We are resolved to protect the health of every resident and ensure full access to care. The full spectrum of reproductive health services, including access to abortions, will remain fully intact.

Some of us can remember a time when we did not have the right to choose. Here in Contra Costa County, we will do everything we can to not go back to those dark days.