Statement in response to the announcement that the Supreme Court will hear Mississippi abortion ban case
For Immediate Release: May 18, 2021
Media Contact: Mary Jane Maharry, [email protected]
Statement attributed to Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action:
"We are disappointed, but not surprised that the Supreme Court announced it will review Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, which is a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade. With the conservative-majority Supreme Court, anti-abortion legislatures and governors have become even bolder in their attacks on essential health care.
Illinois passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019, which recognizes the full range of reproductive health care as a fundamental right and ensures abortion will remain legal in our state even if Roe v. Wade is overturned. While we are grateful for this additional protection, it does not safeguard our residents from all threats to our reproductive rights.
Importantly, Illinois also serves as a safe haven for surrounding states, many of which have increasingly restrictive laws that create medically unnecessary barriers for people seeking abortions and other essential health care. If the Supreme Court allows the Mississippi abortion ban to stand, it would put reproductive health care in jeopardy nationwide. And it would create inequity for abortion care, making where you live and how much money you make determine what health care you can access. We will never stop our fight to help everyone have access to the essential health care they need and deserve."