Beyond Roe Coalition Applauds $17.5 Million Investment in Abortion Clinics, Providers in Senate Economic Development Bill
Contact: Caroline Kimball-Katz, [email protected]
For Immediate Release: July 19, 2022 (Updated: July 19, 2022, 9:05 p.m.)
Coalition thanks Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, and Sens. Lesser and Hinds for continued commitment to reproductive equity
BOSTON (July 19, 2022) – The Massachusetts Senate released its Economic Development bill yesterday that includes a $17.5 million investment to support abortion providers, clinic security, and reproductive health workforce and educational needs. The Beyond Roe Coalition today released the following statements applauding the historic investment in reproductive health care access:
"At a time when millions of people across the country are losing access to abortion care, this historic investment in reproductive health care from our Legislature is a bold statement that Massachusetts stands for health care, and will directly support our ability to provide patients with the care they deserve. We are incredibly grateful to Senate leadership for this urgent action to expand access to abortion care here in Massachusetts,” said Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.
“We are grateful to Senate leadership for making this historic investment in abortion clinics and providers and helping Massachusetts respond to this public health crisis effectively and compassionately,” said Rebecca Hart Holder, executive director of Reproductive Equity Now. “Funding for clinic security, infrastructure, and provider training will be critical to meet the needs of an ever-changing abortion landscape post-Roe. Massachusetts can remain a beacon for reproductive health care and ensure that access to abortion is equitable and accessible for every person who wants it. ”
“We deeply appreciate that the Senate is taking the legislature's historic investment in reproductive health care access to the next level,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. “Because of the recent Supreme Court decision, half the states are expected to ban abortion, denying millions of people a fundamental right that has been central to their ability to plan their lives, families, and careers. We must use every tool to address this nationwide crisis. Here in Massachusetts, we are grateful that lawmakers are meeting this challenge and remain committed to ensuring abortion care is available, accessible, and affordable in the Commonwealth.”
The Massachusetts legislature also passed its budget this week that included $2 million for abortion access and abortion funds throughout the Commonwealth. The budget now heads to Governor Charlie Baker’s desk, and if signed, would mark the first time the state has invested in abortion funds in Massachusetts history.