Social Work Ethics & Roe v Wade Supreme Court Decision
(2 Ethics CEUs) On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court published a
controversial decision in the Mississippi case of Dobbs v. Jackson
Women’s Health Organization that effectively overturns Roe v. Wade (a
landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled
that the Constitution of the United States generally protects the
liberty to choose to have an abortion.)
The Dobbs decision has introduced compelling ethical challenges for
social workers who provide services and information related to
reproductive health. How can I protect my clients' privacy and
confidentiality if my records are subpoenaed? How should I document
conversations with clients about their reproductive health choices? Am I
permitted to refuse to serve clients seeking abortion-related
information and services? Am I at risk of a lawsuit, licensing board
complaint, or criminal prosecution if I serve women seeking
abortion-related information and services?