Ohio Abortion Providers Express Concern Over Florida Abortion Ban; Open Doors to Patients Still Needing Care
For Immediate Release: May 1, 2024
Media Contact:
Hannah Gavin, West End Strategy Team, [email protected]
Maya McKenzie, Planned Parenthood of the Southwest Ohio Region, [email protected]
Ohio Abortion Providers Express Concern Over Florida Abortion Ban; Open Doors to Patients Still Needing Care
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Beginning today, Florida’s total abortion ban will leave an estimated 80,000 people without the health care they need. Some of those patients will have to seek care elsewhere and some patients will simply have no options. In response, Planned Parenthood health centers in Ohio, who navigated a six-week abortion ban after the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 want Florida patients to know their doors are open to anyone seeking abortion. Abortion rights were enshrined into the Ohio Constitution in November 2023 with the successful passage of the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment.
Erica Wilson-Domer, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, released the following statement:
“We are heartbroken that patients in Florida can no longer access the care they need in their own state. Abortion is health care, and everyone, regardless of their zip code, deserves access. In Ohio, we know firsthand that abortion restrictions do not stop people from needing or having abortions. These restrictions only serve to put people’s lives at risk and make it even harder for Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities; young people; LGBTQ+ people; and people with low incomes to receive the care they need.
“Ohio is equipped to welcome out-of-state patients, as we have been doing in recent months in response to states throughout the Midwest and South putting bans and extreme restrictions in place. At Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, we will do everything we can to provide safe and legal abortion to every patient who seeks one.”
Meagan Crane, abortion navigator, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, released the following statement:
“In Ohio, we know from previously navigating our own abortion ban, the devastating effects this decision will have on the ability of patients in Florida to receive life-saving medical care. Our doors are open at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio for patients seeking care, and we will continue to do everything in our power to remove barriers that may stand in their way, including the significant financial and logistical obstacles of now having to travel hundreds of miles and cross state lines. We encourage all patients in Florida, and everywhere else, needing care to go to abortionfinder.org to see the closest place they can receive the care they need.”
Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, released the following statement:
“Anti-abortion politicians in Florida have created a public health crisis where tens of thousands of people will lose access to abortion care. Abortion is essential health care, and without it, people are left with limited means to get the care they need. To those seeking care, including the cost of travel, please know that support is available so that you are back in control of your medical decisions.
“Last year, we spent countless hours organizing to pass the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment which eliminated our 6-week ban that caused unnecessary suffering for 83 days in 2022. If we can do this in Ohio, it can be done anywhere. We are hopeful that Florida will become the eighth state to codify abortion rights by voting Yes on Amendment 4 on November 5th so that no one has to flee the state for abortion care.”
Dr. Sharon Liner, Medical Director, of Planned Parenthood of the Southwest Ohio Region, released the following statement:
“We’re devastated to see Floridians lose access to critical and lifesaving health care. Florida sees the second-highest number of patients for abortion care in the nation, and the aftershock of this abortion ban will put patients at risk across the Southeast.
“Since the Dobbs decision, we’ve been working hard to accommodate for the ongoing shifts in access. Restrictions like these only exacerbate already existing disparities in care for patients who need it most. If you are a patient in need, you can find care here. At Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region and in Ohio, our doors are open, and our navigators are ready to support you.”
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Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 13 health centers, two surgical centers, and their Virtual Health Center throughout Ohio, offering reproductive health care services for generations of Ohioans; supporting people of color, those with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community. PPGOH is committed to the health and safety of Ohio residents by doing everything they can to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio supports advocacy for reproductive health and reproductive rights, including grassroots organizing, community education, and lobbying.
Serving 20 counties in southwestern Ohio and three in northern Kentucky, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region strengthens the community by providing access to high quality health care and education that empower people to make informed, private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health. The organization operates five health centers throughout the region. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. www.ppswo.org