SAG-AFTRA Statement on Women’s Healthcare Rights, Anti-Reproductive Freedom Laws and the U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Texas’ S.B. 8

SAG-AFTRA objects to any law that places our members at risk. The recent trend in certain states to enact legislation threatening criminal penalties or civil persecution for women’s exercise of basic reproductive rights and freedoms is deplorable and alarming. So-called “heartbeat” legislation, and similar laws, expose SAG-AFTRA members to real risk, including lack of access to basic reproductive health care, when working around the country. Working under such a threat is simply unacceptable, and we reject these misguided legislative efforts. SAG-AFTRA elected delegates at its biennial national convention voted overwhelmingly on October 17 to publicly condemn such laws, and we do so in the strongest terms possible.

Accordingly, we are disappointed by today's Supreme Court decision to allow Texas’ unconscionable S.B. 8 to remain in effect pending further court proceedings. Today's decision is chilling to anyone committed to the protection of women’s access to reproductive healthcare, as Justice Sotomayor notes in her dissent: "the Court effectively invites other States to refine S. B. 8's model for nullifying federal rights. The Court thus betrays not only the citizens of Texas, but also our constitutional system of government."

SAG-AFTRA will, as always, fight to protect and support the rights of members who work in states where adequate safety protections and access to health services cannot be assured.