East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green issues the following statement: 

“We are deeply disturbed by the potential overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, due to its impact on women’s health.

Reproductive choice is a fundamental human right, and we can never take it for granted.  Within the United States, the maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than other developing countries with people of color and marginalized groups being negatively impacted at a disproportionate rate.

According to the CDC, one in 700 women die each year due to pregnancy-related complications within the United States, and 3 in 5 of those deaths are preventable. Preventing maternal mortality includes addressing factors such as access to proper care and actions such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade impedes access and carries a host of risks notably to those associated with communities of color and marginalized groups.

Women who are denied abortions face a significantly high risk of pregnancy-related issues. Those risks of unintended, forced pregnancies extend far beyond the delivery of a child and include poor physical, psychological and financial outcomes. As a result, it is believed that imposing legal restrictions on abortion will not lead to fewer abortions, but will likely lead to the increase in harm due to the use of unsafe or self-managed practices to accomplish the same end. This is why we believe that all women should have the latitude to make independent decisions about their bodies and care. We also believe that we have an obligation to ensure that we establish and maintain protective policies that support choice.”