New York (June 28, 2022) – “The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) believes in a just society, one where we all are supported by and able to contribute to communities where ageism, ableism, classism, homophobia, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other forms of bias and discrimination no longer impact healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. We condemn the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Clinic. This ruling has significant implications for the health, well-being, and quality of life for women as well as transgender and non-binary people across the lifespan. It sets a dangerous precedent for legislative interference in the physician-patient relationship and laws have already gone into effect in multiple states that criminalize personal health decisions, limit access to health care, and penalize clinicians. We believe that this ruling will further exacerbate the inequities that exist in our health care system and that the greatest harm will be to racially and ethnically minoritized women, transgender and non-binary people, and families. We call on Congress and the administration to protect people’s access to health care and right of self-determination across the lifespan.”
About the American Geriatrics Society
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Our 6,000+ members include geriatricians, geriatrics nurse practitioners, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists who are pioneers in advanced-illness care for older individuals, with a focus on championing interprofessional teams, eliciting personal care goals, and treating older people as whole persons. AGS believes in a just society, one where we all are supported by and able to contribute to communities where ageism, ableism, classism, homophobia, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other forms of bias and discrimination no longer impact healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. AGS advocates for policies and programs that support the health, independence, and quality of life of all of us as we age.