PPGNY Slams Attacks on Abortion Access on the 47th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade; Celebrates New York’s Leadership
Contact: Jacquelyn Marrero, [email protected], 212-274-7337
For Immediate Release: Jan. 22, 2020 (Updated: Jan. 22, 2020, 3:11 p.m.)
Today marks 1 year since NYS codified Roe v. Wade
New York - Today marks the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision granting women the constitutional protection to access abortion. On this monumental anniversary, it is clear that the right to sexual and reproductive health care is under siege by the Trump-Pence administration and capricious politicians. Right now, more than 300 state bills aim to restrict abortion access and 25 bans are in effect across the country. These extreme attacks have one goal in mind — to challenge Roe v. Wade or render it meaningless by blocking access to care.
Here in New York, however, we are leading the way to ensure access to abortion care regardless of what happens at the federal level. On this day, one year ago, New York became the first state to enshrine the protections of Roe v. Wade in its state law when we boldly passed the Reproductive Health Act. RHA ignited several other states to pass similar progressive policies that protect abortion access and prioritize sexual and reproductive health care.
Statement from Laura McQuade, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York:
As we commemorate the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we know that access to abortion is on the line like never before. Extremist politicians have shown us they will stop at nothing to ban abortion and punish patients for accessing basic health care. We won’t stand for this — not now, not ever.
Here in New York, we showed the country what’s possible when we come together to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care. The Reproductive Health Act makes abortion safe, legal and accessible in New York even if Roe is overturned nationally. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York is whole-heartily committed to being a resource for all New Yorkers and people across the country who need access to the full range of family planning services – including abortion care.
In March, the Supreme Court will hear June Medical Services v. Gee. This is the first abortion case the Supreme Court will hear since President Trump handpicked conservative Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh to sit on the bench. Their decision could render protections under Roe meaningless. Dismantling Roe contradicts the desire of most Americans. Nearly 8 in 10 Americans do not want to see Roe overturned.
Access to abortion is a fundamental issue of economic justice and opportunity. A recent analysis from the Turnaway Study published in Social Science & Medicine found that most people are primarily relieved after having an abortion; and five years later, almost all people still believe it was the right decision for them.
###
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State. PPGNY offers a wide range of services at its 30 locations across 65% of NYS - including gynecological care; birth control; cancer screenings; pregnancy testing; STI testing and treatment; HIV prevention, testing, and counseling; transgender hormone therapy; and vasectomy. PPGNY is also proud to provide abortion services to anyone who needs compassionate, non-judgmental care. PPGNY is a trusted source of medically-accurate, evidence-based information that allows people to make informed decisions about their health and future. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health services and education.