The National Abortion Federation (NAF) recently issued its first policy statement since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision struck down Roe v. Wade.

“Using viability or gestation as legal thresholds misrepresents how medical decision-making works and creates a legal, not medical, limit on abortion that contributes to an environment of surveillance and prosecution for pregnant people and providers. While viability and gestational cut-offs are often presented as merely reasonable limits on abortion, they are, in fact, abortion bans.” Read NAF’s policy statement here.

Medical Students for Choice (MSFC) strongly aligns with NAF’s policy position on abortion throughout pregnancy. For over 30 years, MSFC has advocated for evidence-based family planning and abortion education built on the foundation of science and that honors patients’ bodily autonomy. Since the Dobbs ruling, many medical students learning in states with restrictions or total bans have seen family planning and abortion education erased from their medical school’s curriculum. Some medical schools have even banned MSFC chapter events where a speaker planned to discuss providing abortion later in pregnancy.

MSFC members represent the future of reproductive healthcare in the United States. It is critical that future physicians receive evidence-based training, regardless of where their medical school is located, so they can provide exceptional care to the communities they hope to serve.

MSFC applauds NAF for their leadership in this pivotal moment. We proudly adopt the policy position supporting abortion care and access throughout pregnancy and will continue to oppose policies that interfere with that care, including viability limits and gestation-based bans.

In solidarity,

Pamela Merritt
Executive Director
Medical Students for Choice