The staff and faculty at the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute (ISTI) have been carefully monitoring the news around the repeal of Roe vs. Wade. As the Director of ISTI, as a sexologist, and as a certified sex and relationship therapist I am disheartened and disappointed in the decision of the Supreme Court to remove the rights granted to Americans for almost 50 years. ISTI affirms that a safe, respectful environment is vital to experiencing a healthy sex life. The decision handed down by the Supreme Court damages this fundamental need. As an institution dedicated to the continuing education of mental health professionals, ISTI continues to support safe and respectful access to abortion as an aspect of comprehensive healthcare.
We stand in unity on this decision with AASECT, APA, WHO, WAS, SIECUS, and all social, governmental, and healthcare organizations that place a priority on access and choice in healthcare. As cited by the World Health Organization (WHO): Quality healthcare, including safe access to abortion, is a basic human right.
As we enter a time of uncertainty, we encourage all mental and healthcare professionals to show understanding and compassion. Abortion is nuanced, complex, and deeply private. Right now, people across the country are concerned about how this will affect their lives. This ruling especially impacts those in marginalized communities including women and nonbinary people of color, transgender men, survivors of sexual and domestic violence, and those in rural areas or with a low socioeconomic status.
As ISTI moves forward with programs to educate mental health professionals and educators we will monitor developments and ensure that we equip our participants with information and tools around this topic to create a safe environment for their clients. Privacy and trust are the bedrock of effective therapy space and vital to a connection between therapist and clients and between partners in relationships to encourage healing and growth.
The mission of The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute (ISTI) is to provide accessible, cutting-edge training by the top leaders in the field of relationship-building; to provide students the skills needed to be informed and compassionate sex and couples therapists and coaches who can provide the inspiration, connection, and healing needed in the world today.
Do You Want to Get Involved?
Right now, many people may be looking for ways to make a positive change in the fight for reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. ISTI will continue to add resources here to support your involvement.
- American Civil Liberties Union: Six Ways You Can Join the Fight for Abortion Rights
- Center for Reproductive Rights
- Local abortion fund donations: https://abortionfunds.org/funds/
- To fund independent abortion clinics: https://keepourclinics.org/
- Free toolkit to help facilitate conversations around abortion: https://abortionfunds.org/heart-to-heart/
- Aid Access info on abortion pills: https://aidaccess.org/
Critical Resources for Those in Need
Locating Clinics
- INeedanA.com
- abortioncarenetwork.org
- prochoice.org
- 1-800-772-9100
Getting Pills Online
Confidential Medical Questions
- MAhotline.org
- call or text 833-246-2632
Judgment-Free Counseling and Support
- all-options.org
- 888-493-0092
- reprocare.com
- 833-226-7821
Legal Support
Judicial Bypass: Legal help for teens needing an abortion
Abortion Support for all Genders