To the membership of AAS,
The American Arachnological Society exists to further the appreciation and scientific exploration of arachnids, and we strongly support all the people who study them.
We acknowledge that the recent decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn long-standing constitutional protections for abortion access impacts the careers and safety of many individuals in our membership. We also recognize that healthcare decisions are highly personal and that our membership is diverse in their beliefs about healthcare and abortion.
The American Arachnological Society is not a political organization, but we recognize and support those members who are saddened by how this court decision and the resulting barriers to abortion access will impact the mental and physical health and well-being of women pursuing careers in arachnology. These changes will be especially difficult for people of color, other marginalized groups, and rural populations who already experience disproportionately limited access to healthcare among the many hurdles to equitable participation in science and education. We are deeply troubled that arachnologists from around the world may no longer feel safe conducting field work in parts of the United States.
As a society, the AAS is committed to supporting all arachnologists and making the pursuit of knowledge of arachnids safe and accessible for anyone anywhere.
On behalf of the Executive Committee,
J. Andrew Roberts
President, American Arachnological Society