The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPGHAN)  uphold that all persons, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, should have equal rights to make healthcare decisions without government or judicial interference.

Physicians and other health care providers should never be under threat of criminalization for the practice of providing or recommending evidence-based medical care.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization returns decisions about certain women’s reproductive rights to the states. This may deprive women in some areas of the country to equal access to healthcare and could threaten the sanctity of medical decisions made in private consultation with a physician or healthcare provider.

Legislation is being considered or has been enacted, which will impact women’s access to reproductive care, and other basic rights to healthcare for historically underserved and vulnerable groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. These actions perpetuate the marginalization of at-risk populations and underserved minorities and widen, not close, long-standing gaps in health equity.

ASGE and NASPGHAN are committed to preserving patient healthcare choice, privacy, access, and equity. We oppose laws or regulations that compromise or criminalize access to safe delivery of medical care, the physician-patient relationship, collaborative medical decision-making, or healthcare education and training for any individuals including women and marginalized populations.

ASGE and NASPGHAN support laws, programs and regulations that promote equity in healthcare for all patient populations and protects patients' medical privacy and autonomy.