Message from the Dean: Response to Roe vs. Wade ruling

Dear students, trainees, faculty and staff,

As the incoming Dean I want to confirm the Cumming School of Medicine’s support of reproductive rights given the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Roe vs. Wade ruling.

Earlier this week Dr. Alika Fontaine, MD, an Alberta physician and president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association tweeted, “Roe v. Wade confirms that human rights, equity and equality cannot be taken for granted.”

As we strive towards making contributions towards a healthier and more just society, we affirm our school’s support of reproductive rights as fundamental human rights.  While we acknowledge that the decision to terminate a pregnancy may be difficult, the decision to do so must remain that of the pregnant person alone. 

The recent U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Roe vs. Wade ruling is an attack on all people, especially women, and their ability to decide what happens to their bodies. The implications of striking down this ruling will include significant suffering and loss of life that will disproportionately burden disadvantaged American women.

Consequently, we need to continue to advocate for further safeguards on reproductive rights and accessibility to reproductive health care. We understand our responsibility to counter misinformation and equip physicians to provide care that is reflective of compassion, dignity and acknowledges the diversity of opinions concerning pregnancy termination.  

We remain committed to actively teaching, promoting and upholding the standards of our professional practice to protect safe and equitable health care for all Albertans.

If you have found the Roe vs. Wade ruling distressing please consider seeking support through the University of Calgary’s Campus Mental Health Strategy. Students can reach out through this website  https://www.ucalgary.ca/mentalhealth/get-support/students and faculty and staff can find contacts at https://www.ucalgary.ca/mentalhealth/get-support/faculty-and-staff .

Sincerely,

Todd Anderson, MD
(Incoming) Dean, Cumming School of Medicine