DA signs joint statement
OAKLAND, CA — In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision today to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office along with at least 83 other elected prosecutors around the nation, have committed to refuse to prosecute those who seek, assist in, or provide abortions.
Our Office joined in signing a letter established by Fair and Just Prosecution, which states that prosecutors have a responsibility to refrain from using limited criminal legal system resources to criminalize personal medical decisions.
“Prosecutors are entrusted with immense discretion. With this discretion comes the obligation to seek justice. And at the heart of the pursuit of justice is the furtherance of policies and practices that protect the well-being and safety of all members of our community,” the letter states.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office declines to use the office’s resources to criminalize reproductive health decisions. The office stands beside a woman’s right to autonomy over her own body, health and safety. The Office commits to not prosecuting a woman for making a private, medical decision about her own body.