APSS Statement on Meeting in Indianapolis

The Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC (APSS) is a joint venture of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the Sleep Research Society (SRS). Together, our organizations host the annual SLEEP meeting. The APSS fully embraces diversity and equity and promotes inclusion. Indeed, everyone sleeps, and everyone should feel welcomed at SLEEP.

Recent court rulings and changes in state laws are impacting our organizations, our members and our SLEEP meeting attendees in ways that could compromise the welcoming environment we strive to achieve at our annual conference. This may be particularly true for those who feel uneasy about traveling to locations where access to reproductive care is in flux. We also recognize and respect that members of the sleep and circadian community hold varying views about reproductive rights.

In our efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment at SLEEP 2023, we acknowledge the concerns of our members and attendees. The APSS Board of Directors will take the following steps:

  1. We will provide information on laws and regulations in the state of Indiana as the meeting date approaches so that potential attendees can make informed decisions about attending SLEEP 2023. As information changes, we will share it as soon as possible and may take additional steps based on future circumstances. (Scroll down beneath this statement to see updated information.)
  2. We encourage meeting attendees to consult with their health care provider and discuss any concerns about traveling and attending the meeting.
  3. We will continue our flexible cancellation policy, which allows a full refund of registration fees until 1:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 4, 2023, for any individual who registers but elects not to attend the meeting for any reason.
  4. We will continue to make recorded meeting content available.

We are sincerely grateful for the input we have received from our members on this issue. We recognize and respect the concerns and diverse viewpoints that have been expressed.

The SRS, AASM and APSS and we as individuals are all committed to creating a welcoming environment at SLEEP 2023. If you have additional ideas about how we can make our meeting a welcoming place to learn together, please reach out. We are always open to new ideas and value input from our highly engaged members.

Namni Goel, PhD
President, SRS

Jennifer Martin, PhD
President, AASM

H. Craig Heller, PhD
President, APSS

About Indiana Senate Bill 1

In June 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision overruled the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett issued a statement opposing the Supreme Court’s decision.

Indiana was the first state to pass a new law banning most abortions. Indiana Senate Bill 1 was signed by the governor and became public law on Aug. 5, 2022, with the provisions becoming effective Sept. 15, 2022. The bill terminates the licensure of abortion clinics and makes changes to when an abortion may be performed.

On Sept. 22, an Indiana Circuit Court judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state from enforcing the law while Planned Parenthood and health care providers challenge it in court. Under the injunction, the state’s previous abortion law stands — allowing abortions up to 20 weeks. In October the Indiana Supreme Court took jurisdiction of the lawsuit.

On Dec. 2, in response to a religious freedom lawsuit, a Marion County Superior Court judge issued a second preliminary injunction blocking the state from enforcing the law while the challenge to its legality proceeds.

On Jan. 19, 2023, Indiana Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments over the constitutionality of the law. It is unclear when the justices will make a ruling.

For more information, read responses from Visit Indy to frequently asked questions about the law, Indy’s response, and safety implications for event attendees in Indianapolis.

Updated Jan. 27, 2023