We, the undersigned, are women lawyers in US-headquartered firms with offices in the UK. We write in solidarity with our female colleagues and friends in the US who have written a powerful open letter denouncing the recent decision of the US Supreme Court in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health. That letter can be viewed here. We share the sentiments they have expressed so forcefully and eloquently.

We are appalled at the decision in Dobbs. Fundamentally, it strips women of their right to bodily autonomy and safe access to reproductive healthcare. Practically, it will have devastating consequences for women, particularly those in marginalised communities. Legally, it represents a frightening reversal of established jurisprudence in the US and paves the way for further erosion of human rights. As such, the impact will be felt far and wide.  

It is often said that there is a special relationship between the UK and US and that we share a sense of unity from a social, cultural and legal perspective. It is for that reason we feel the impact of the Dobbs decision so acutely, both as allies of our friends in the US, but also in fear for what it might mean in respect of our own political and social discourse in the UK.

This decision reminds us that even established rights for women and minority groups are granted to us by those in power and can be swiftly taken away, wherever in the world we may be.

We stand with our friends and colleagues in the US and will do all we can to support them and defend women’s rights to autonomy and equality. In solidarity.