AAPA Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

June 24, 2022

AAPA has serious concerns about the impact of today’s decision intruding on the patient-PA relationship.

We believe strongly in the importance of the patient-provider relationship, and that this relationship functions most effectively when patients are presented with all the relevant and necessary information to make shared decisions in their care. AAPA adamantly opposes any external interference in the ability to deliver appropriate and necessary medical care.

AAPA will continue to advocate on behalf of patients, to uphold the privacy of the patient-provider relationship, and to ensure patients have access to services and information they need.

AAPA’s position on reproductive health and access to care for all patients is grounded in the principles articulated in our Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession:

Patients have a right to access the full range of reproductive healthcare services, including fertility treatments, contraception, sterilization, and abortion. PAs have an ethical obligation to provide balanced and unbiased clinical information about reproductive healthcare.

When the PA’s personal values conflict with providing full disclosure or providing certain services such as sterilization or abortion, the PA need not become involved in that aspect of the patient’s care. By referring the patient to a qualified provider who is willing to discuss and facilitate all treatment options, the PA fulfills their ethical obligation to ensure the patient’s access to all legal options.