Biophysical Society Bulletin | September 2022

President’s Message

Officers President

Gail Robertson President-Elect Taekjip Ha Past-President Frances Separovic Secretary Erin Sheets Treasurer Samantha Harris Council Patricia Bassereau Henry Colecraft Erin C. Dueber Martin Gruebele Gilad Haran Kumiko Hayashi Syma Khalid Francesca Marassi Susan Marqusee Carolyn A. Moores

these facts and expressed concerns that a constellation of related problems surround ing affordable healthcare and childcare may be diverting competitive trainees, especially those with families, from U.S. laboratories. Czajkowski offered, “Whether you agree or dis agree with the recent Supreme Court decision, the ruling has and will have broad effects on our research communities. Openly discuss ing the consequences of the ruling with our colleagues, research teams, and institutions is an essential step for developing strategies to mitigate its effects.” The economic benefits of reproductive free dom have been extensively documented. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, eliminating state-wide abortion restrictions could return an estimated 505,000 more women aged 15 to 44 to the labor force, yielding over $3 billion annually and adding $101.8 billion more to the earnings of wom en already working (https:/ iwpr.org/media/ press-releases/scotus-overturns-roe-v wade/). Undoubtedly these numbers include scientists or future scientists whose discover ies and legacies are at odds with these efforts of the minority. The future of our field, and the strength inherent in its diversity, are at risk. What can we do? We must act strategically. Although the Supreme Court’s decision to punt the issue of reproductive rights to the states is frequently assumed to mean certain

criminalization of the pregnant and their healthcare providers, the situation remains fluid at both the state and national levels. In a stunning development in Kansas, an explicit campaign to ban abortion via an amendment to the state constitution was soundly defeated at the ballot box in August. The voting results on the referendum in this conservative state reflect national polls showing that a solid majority of people support the right to choose, and in Kansas, democracy prevailed over minority rule. At the federal level, an Executive Order signed by President Joe Biden on August 3 aims to protect access to contraception and emergency medical care, including abortion. In many states this tension will be resolved by the voters either immediately, by referendum, or eventually, through attrition of those in minority rule in statehouses. We can speak out against the Supreme Court ruling. (https:/ bit. ly/3CqfjvF). More importantly, we can play an active role by contacting our elected represen tatives and supporting agencies advocating for change. While we work to preserve and restore reproductive rights, let us remember to provide support for our trainees in whatever decisions they make, whether terminating a pregnancy or starting or expanding a family. Only if all options are supported will we be successful in creating a diverse workforce of scientists. — Gail Robertson , President

Kandice Tanner Valeria Vasquez Biophysical Journal Vasanthi Jayaraman Editor-in-Chief The Biophysicist Sam Safran Editor-in-Chief Biophysical Reports

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Executive Editor Jennifer Pesanelli Managing Editor John Long Production Ray Wolfe Proofreader/Copy Editor The Biophysical Society Newsletter (ISSN 0006-3495) is published eleven times per year, January-December, by the Biophysical Society, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Distributed to USA members and other countries at no cost. Cana dian GST No. 898477062. Postmaster: Send address changes to Biophysical Society, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110, Rockville, MD 20852. Copyright © 2022 by the Biophysical Society. Darren Early Laura Phelan

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