Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade Threatens Sanctity of Provider-Patient Relationship

The Infectious Diseases Society of America and HIV Medicine Association condemn the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade that sanctions government interference in patient autonomy and care and threatens the sanctity of the provider-patient relationship. The ability to make decisions about the continuum of safe reproductive services must remain with the patient and their health care providers.

We also are deeply concerned that this decision will have a disproportionate impact on already marginalized communities and increase the rate of potentially life-threatening complications. Further, this precedent threatens the ability of populations heavily impacted by HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases to access health care and make their own medical decisions. We stand with the medical community in our steadfast commitment to protecting patients’ rights and access to health care as well as protecting providers’ ability to practice without government interference.

— Daniel P. McQuillen, MD, FIDSA – President, Infectious Diseases Society of America

— Marwan Haddad, MD, MPH – Chair, HIV Medicine Association