Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Statement on Texas Extreme Abortion Ban Going into Effect

September 1, 2021

CONTACT
Brandon Richards, Director of Communications
[email protected]

SACRAMENTO — Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) released the following statement from President/CEO Jodi Hicks in reaction to Texas’ extreme 6-week abortion ban going into effect today after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take action prior to it going into effect:

“We have been told time and time again that Roe v Wade is the law of the land, and that the U.S. Supreme Court would never overturn nearly 50 years of precedent. At 12:01AM this morning that is essentially what the Supreme Court did in Texas – without having to say a word.”

“The inaction by the Supreme Court on a blatantly unconstitutional ban has taken away a crucial right to millions of people in Texas and without a doubt threatens their ability to make decisions about their body, their lives, and their futures. Many Black, Latino, Indigenous and people of color, those with low incomes, and people in rural areas will face the greatest barriers to abortion access under this unconstitutional law. And there is little doubt hostile legislatures in other states will see this as a greenlight to enact their own harmful and dangerous bans on abortion.”

“To our Planned Parenthood colleagues in Texas, to abortion providers throughout the state, to activists, allies, advocates and supporters know this: we stand with you. One patient being forced to cross state lines to get the essential care they need is one too many. We stand by your side, ready to act.”

“Californians looking to protect access to abortion in our state, I implore you to vote NO on Question 1 in the Republican-led recall attempt of Governor Gavin Newsom. California’s leadership as a Reproductive Freedom state – and Governor Newsom’s commitment as a champion of sexual and reproductive health care – is needed now more than ever. There is no question that access to abortion is on the ballot in two weeks.”

Over the course of the last year, Planned Parenthood health centers throughout California saw more than 7,000 out-of-state patients. When bans like the one Texas implemented spread to other states, California’s role as a Reproductive Freedom state becomes even more crucial. With nearly 600 restrictions introduced, 2021 is the worst year for state legislature attacks on abortion since Roe was adopted in 1973.

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Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California’s seven separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of sexual and reproductive health care and sex education.