Overturning Marriage Equality Would Wreak Havoc On LGBTQ+ Health August 20, 2025

This month the US Supreme Court was petitioned to formally overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. While some legal experts are skeptical that the Court would actually take this case on, we live in a post-Roe world where we’re already seeing the horrific effects on reproductive healthcare without Roe v. Wade. If Obergefell were overturned, states could possibly restrict or ban future same-sex marriages, leading to a patchwork of marriage laws similar to how abortion rights shifted after Dobbs v. Jackson (overturning Roe). It could also lead to chaos in the healthcare space, impacting spousal health benefits, visitation rights, parental recognition, medical power of attorney, and end-of-life care, just to name a few. The LGBTQ+ community is already one of the most vulnerable populations for public health damages, and is facing increased prejudice as the rise of conservatism across the country shifts public perception. A decision to overturn marriage equality could also have ripple effects to areas like transgender rights, workplace protections, and reproductive access. PSR stands firm in our support of the LGBTQ+ community and urges all health professionals to join in the fight to protect our patients. To learn more about the petition to the Supreme Court to overturn marriage equality, read more below.