Talking points and answers to frequently asked questions for AWHONN leadership speaking to members: 

Why is AWHONN suddenly focused on abortion? 

Since 1973 access to abortion has been guaranteed in the US by the Supreme Court decision on the lawsuit Roe v. Wade. On May 2, Politico published a leaked draft of a decision on the pending Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization concerning Mississippi’s Gestational Age Act, which bans abortions after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The draft, written by Justice Samuel Alito, would uphold the Mississippi law by overturning the court’s decision on Roe v. Wade. The existence of a draft decision indicates that a majority of Supreme Court Justices have voted to uphold the Mississippi law by overturning Roe v. Wade. 

When did AWHONN start supporting abortion? 

AWHONN’s position statement, “Health Care Decision Making for Reproductive Care,” which establishes support for access to abortion, was first adopted by the board in 1989 and has been periodically reaffirmed several times since.   

What is AWHONN doing to protect access to abortion? 

Because overturning Roe v. Wade would make it constitutional for any state to pass laws restricting access to abortion and AWHONN is not staffed to lobby state legislatures, we have created resources to equip and empower AWHONN members to advocate against restrictive legislation in their states. Extensive resources are available online at awhonn.org/abortion-advocacy-resources. 

We will continue to support legislation that protects and advances women’s access to reproductive healthcare.  

Why is AWHONN supporting the killing of innocent unborn babies? 

Abortion is an essential component of women’s reproductive health care that can save a woman’s life or protect her health. With the rise in high-risk pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by a congenital anomaly, pregnancies have been increasingly more likely to result in medical complications that can lead to maternal morbidity and mortality. Such complications may require an abortion, which would be medically safer than carrying a pregnancy to term. 

Why is AWHONN supporting elective terminations without medical conditions? 

Abortion is an essential component of women’s reproductive health care.  AWHONN supports the woman’s right to make autonomous decisions about her body and reproductive function. These decisions protect women’s right to equality, privacy, and bodily integrity  

Is AWHONN aligned with other similar organizations on this issue? 

Yes, AWHONN has met with other organizations, including ACOG, SMFM, ACNM, NPWH, which also stand for protecting access to abortion, and identified areas of potential collaboration. As those potential plans come together, AWHONN will communicate those plans to its members. 

What are your personal beliefs about abortion? 

My personal beliefs are irrelevant. I am representing AWHONN’s position.