On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade (1973) in a 5-4 vote, rejecting abortion as a constitutional right. In the wake of this decision, many Americans, including Deerfield students, are left wondering about the subsequent implications of this ruling, especially in terms of their access to reproductive healthcare services.
For now, Deerfield students and residents of Massachusetts still have access to abortions. This is due to The ROE Act, which was passed by the Massachusetts State Legislature in December 2020 in anticipation of the potential overturning. The law codified and protected women’s access to healthcare services including abortion, contraception, and counseling.
According to its website, the Deerfield Health Center, “[w]ith the full understanding that adolescents are legally free to obtain contraception, pregnancy testing, and counseling on their own from doctors and clinics in this area or home communities,” also offers these services. Additionally, contraceptive counseling is available through the Health Center. These conversations, according to the Health Center’s website, “will focus on the nature and availability of contraception.” Following a discussion, if a student would still like to request contraception through the Health Center, “a follow-up visit can be scheduled with [either] the school physician or nurse practitioner.”
In addition to contraceptive services, pregnancy testing is also available to students through the Health Center. In the event of a student pregnancy, a health staff counselor would be available to provide information to the student in order to help them make an informed decision. According to the Health Center’s policy stated on its website, “The counselor will encourage the student to include parents and partner in the decision making process and will facilitate bringing those concerned together if requested.”
Beyond the services that the Deerfield Health Center provides, there are local obstetrics and gynecology practices such as Tapestry in Northampton and Pioneer Valley Women’s Health in Greenfield. These agencies provide similar services to the Health Center as well as additional counseling and services.
According to its official policy outlined on their website, the Chen Center can typically provide transportation to local appointments if given at least seventy-two hour’s notice.
Encompassing all of the services that the Health Center provides, Director of Medical Services Bryant Benson stated, “The D.S. Chen Health and Wellness Center is committed to supporting all aspects of our students’ health and wellbeing, including topics such as relationships, sex, and contraception. Students with questions about these topics should feel free to drop by or call the Chen to make an appointment with a provider. These conversations will be kept private to provide the best information, care and support possible for our students.”
In light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, some states may experience changes to their reproductive healthcare laws and regulations. As Deerfield’s community is made up of members from a wide array of locations, it is helpful to be aware of the Health Center’s services and support, as some students may not have access to the same resources while at home.