On the 44th Anniversary Of Roe v. Wade, Nearly Half the States Are Hostile to Abortion

By Stephanie Badanes | Jan. 20, 2017, 9:11 p.m. | Comments

Category: Birth Control, State Attacks

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Under Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the Constitution protects everyone’s right to make their own personal medical decisions about abortion. Yet politicians in Congress and state legislatures have made it clear that they will stop at nothing to end access to safe, legal abortion. Meanwhile, our new president and vice-president target Planned Parenthood health centers because they provide abortion.

A Guttmacher Institute report released January 3 shows the GOP-led assault on safe, legal abortion access continued in 2016 — with a whopping 50 new abortion restrictions enacted in 18 states.

As state politicians across the country succeed in restricting access to abortion, women are paying the price. Laws that restrict access to safe, legal abortion hurt women's health and endanger their safety.

 

The Status of Abortion in America

This year, we are reminded of what life was like for women before safe and legal abortion — and what could again become a reality for many women across the country. If the hundreds of unfair restrictions on access to safe, legal abortion are maintained and more are allowed to pass, abortion could become virtually inaccessible for many, particularly low-income people who live in rural areas.

Here’s the thing: Nearly one third of women in America decide to end a pregnancy, and every person's decision about their pregnancy should be respected and valued.

As a health care provider, Planned Parenthood has seen the devastating consequences for women in states like Texas where politicians have restricted access to abortion. Women are already traveling hundreds of miles, crossing state lines, and waiting weeks to get an abortion, if they can at all.

This often has a disproportionate impact on communities of color, who already face systemic barriers in accessing quality health care.

Remember: Abortion has a 99% safety record, according to the CDC and other experts.

Last June’s Supreme Court ruling in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt was an enormous win for women, making it clear that politicians cannot pass laws to block access to safe, legal abortion. But we know the fight is not over. The year ahead will bring further attempts to block access to safe, legal abortion; repeal the Affordable Care Act; and cut Planned Parenthood patients off from care — as well as a battle over the next Supreme Court nominee.

Although states grew increasingly hostile toward abortion in 2016, it’s not a reflection on Americans’ values. Anti-abortion politicians are out-of-touch with Americans: In fact, 7 in 10 Americans oppose overturning the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, which recognized that the constitutional right to privacy extends to a woman’s right to make her own personal medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion without interference from politicians.

 

We Refuse to Let Extreme Politicians Take Us Backwards on Abortion Access

We at Planned Parenthood Action Fund are proud that the doctors, nurses, and other staff at Planned Parenthood health centers talk with patients about all their options — including safe, legal abortion. Abortion providers are passionate, concerned, skilled people who believe in the health, wellbeing, and dignity of every single patient. On the 44th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we need to stand up stronger than ever to protect the right to safe and legal abortion.

 

Tell Anti-Abortion Extremists: We Won’t Be Punished

Extreme lawmakers think Trump's election gives them a mandate to roll back rights for women, LGBTQ folks, religious minorities, people with disabilities and people of color.

Share the graphics below, then add your name to our open letter today and tell extremists everywhere: We won't be punished.

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Tags: Abortion, State Fights, roe v wade