Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey shifts our nation’s legal landscape and disrupts a long held legal precedent. This ruling is extremely distressing for many members of our community who see reproductive rights and protections as central to human rights. It also may threaten other rights that many of us have come to rely upon. And, unfortunately, It is almost certain to fuel further division in our already polarized society.

 

It is important to understand that access to abortion and reproductive health care remains legal in Oregon. The University of Oregon will continue to act within the law to provide reproductive health support and resources in our student health and counselling programs and through our employee benefits programs.

 

Our role as a public research university is to encourage discussion, debate, understanding, and informed participation in our political system. I am committed to ensuring the University of Oregon stays true to its mission of education, research, and service to society to strengthen our democracy and advance our world.

 

As our nation continues to face uncertainty and turmoil around important societal issues like abortion, I urge members of our community to educate yourselves on the issues, listen with empathy, share your perspectives, get involved, and exercise your right to vote. Toward that end this summer and fall we will seek to find opportunities for our faculty experts to engage the broader community on the implications of today’s decision. The University of Oregon has much to contribute to this discussion.

 

Sincerely,

Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of Law