News > LBBC and partners release statement on the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

LBBC and partners release statement on the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer stands with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Medical Association (AMA), as well as the majority of U.S. physicians, in expressing deep concern about the potential implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

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Our organization believes in people’s ability to make decisions about their own bodies. We firmly reiterate our commitment to the critical role of private communications between patients and medical providers; a patient’s right to make decisions based on medical evidence, compassion, and trust; and the health and well-being of all women.

“As an organization whose mission is to provide trusted information and support to patients with breast cancer, our community members deserve every opportunity to make the best choices for their bodies and their lives as they face a life-threatening illness,” said Jean Sachs, MSS, MLSP, CEO of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. "Informed medical decisions are best made using the latest scientific evidence in an exchange that is free of judgment. We do not want to see that deeply personal and private doctor-patient relationship eroded, or any impediment to a physician’s ability to provide the highest level of care.”

“The Dobbs v. Jackson decision will have a chilling effect on my practice as a medical oncologist, in which I work closely with patients to make challenging decisions about their health care and their lives,” said Angela DeMichele, MD, MSCE, a member of LBBC’s Medical Advisory Board.  “Restrictions inherent in state laws will potentially endanger the lives of women diagnosed with breast cancer who are pregnant or become pregnant by limiting or even preventing curative or life-extending treatments available to them. Patients may be fearful of sharing vital health information with their providers, and for some women, critical healthcare services will simply become illegal or out of reach.”

“The literature, and experience, already clearly show that people of color suffer disproportionately in the health care setting due to lack of access to health care and to the implicit and explicit bias they encounter in accessing that care,” said Monique Gary, DO, FACS, a member of Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Medical Advisory Board.  “This decision means access to reproductive care will be unavailable to the most vulnerable among us, people who may already lack the information and resources they need to access standard care. This ruling means there are additional barriers—many will have to cross state lines to get the care they seek.”

Living Beyond Breast Cancer recognizes that the most vulnerable in our community – young women, women of color, women living in rural areas, low-income women and their families, and LGBTQ+ people – are among those who will be most affected by this decision. We will continue to support all community members with supportive medical information, grounded in science and delivered with compassion, which facilitates access to the highest quality care.

Our organizations stand together in supporting people and families impacted by breast cancer in their efforts to access needed medical care.

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LBBC Staff

  • Expertise in the medical, psychosocial, and practical concerns of people with breast cancer

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.