LOS ANGELES -- As the Supreme Court takes up Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, the Mississippi case that seems destined to restrict women's right to an abortion, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the largest immigrant rights organization in California, stands strong with women and with their right to make their health care decisions without government intrusion.
We deal daily with immigrant women whose human rights have been violated, both here and in their countries of origin. The criminalization of the right to an abortion is a principal reason women become refugees. So in upholding the civil and human rights of immigrants, we believe those rights include the right to decide when and with whom to have a child. Women's rights, all women's rights, are human rights.
We recognize that not everyone agrees with the right to an abortion, and we celebrate the expression of religious beliefs. But as a woman-led, progressive organization, CHIRLA must affirm women's agency in this most private and personal of decisions.
Please attribute the following statements to Angelica Salas, CHIRLA executive director:
"We recognize that political conservatives' long-running attacks on women are of a piece with their attacks on immigrants, so when we stand on the other side of that line, we do so resolutely and wholeheartedly. We believe immigrant women, like immigrant men, are entitled to protection of all their rights, not just some. This includes the right to make their own health care decisions.
"It looks likely that as a result of the Supreme Court's hearing of Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, the right to an abortion in this country, which women have had for nearly 50 years, will come to an end. And this decision, should it come to pass, will affect low income women and women of color, as well as immigrant women, more severely.
"However, we have seen other reversals in recent years, and we remain committed to fighting for every civil and human right that exists for immigrants, in principle and in deed. Times are difficult now, but we work and live for the day when women, men and children will not have to fear for any of their rights."
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