PLANNED PARENTHOOD PA COMMEMORATES FIRST ROE ANNIVERSARY IN POST-ROE AMERICA

(Pennsylvania) --- Planned Parenthood PA today commemorates the first anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision in post Roe America.

“For generations, access to abortion across this country has been protected by Roe vs Wade. That protection came to an end last summer,” said Planned Parenthood PA’s Executive Director Signe Espinoza. “The battle to keep abortion legal is being fought in every state of this country and the stakes have never been higher. We are fighting constitutional amendments that would limit our access to care, or outright remove the right to abortion; we are seeing abortion bans proposed in legislation.”

The effects of these bans are not limited to states where abortion is no longer legal. In Pennsylvania where abortion is currently legal, a surge in patients has overwhelmed health care systems and increased wait times for care.

The harmful effects of abortion bans stretch beyond abortion care. It’s now harder for people to get lifesaving medical care for miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other pregnancy-related complications.

Providers and medical staff in states with harsh consequences for people who perform or assist in abortions are afraid to treat patients — even in emergency situations. This puts the health and lives of pregnant people at risk, as providers are forced to delay urgently needed procedures until people are dangerously sick, just to provide care that is lifesaving.

Pharmacists are even hesitant to dispense common forms of medication to treat cancer, arthritis, and ulcers for fear that they can also be used to end or interfere with pregnancies.

Abortion is common; one in four women will have one in their lifetime.

“Abortion is essential health care,” said Espinoza. “Planned Parenthood will keep fighting until we realize a world where everyone is in control of their reproductive health, lives, and futures.”

Planned Parenthood affiliates across  the state will be holding events honoring this anniversary across the state. RSVP here:

• Harrisburg: https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/a/roe-anniversary-january-2023
• Pittsburgh: https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/a/roe-without-roe
• Philadelphia: https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/a/roe-v-wade-anniversary-kit-creation-day-1

For more information on PPPA and access to abortion care in Pennsylvania, please visit our website.

 MEDIA CONTACT: Brittany Crampsie, 717 712 3480

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ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD PENNSYLVANIA ADVOCATES

Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA) exists to create a Pennsylvania where sexual and reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is accessible, affordable, and affirming for all. We achieve this, in partnership with the 3 Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania, through electoral and advocacy campaigns, lobbying, and organizing.