Dr. Wen: “These unprecedented attacks on our rights and freedoms must end”

Congressional champions denounce extreme state bans on safe, legal abortion

WASHINGTON — Today, Dr. Leana Wen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, joined members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Pro-Choice Caucus to denounce the extreme abortion bans and attacks on reproductive health care across the country.

Statement from Dr. Leana Wen, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

All across the country, leaders are speaking out against these unprecedented attacks on our rights and freedoms. This week we saw hundreds of thousands attend more than 500 events nationwide and make their voices heard — that’s not going to stop. Today, I am proud to stand alongside our reproductive health champions in Congress who are ready to fight back against these dangerous bans. With our dedicated partners, we will continue to lead the charge to reject this extreme, unethical, and unconstitutional assault on abortion care—which is health care— no matter what.

During 2019 state legislative sessions, more than 290 bills restricting abortion have been filed in 45 states. Nearly half of those restrictions are abortion bans, including those in Kentucky, Ohio, and Georgia. In the past five months alone, 16 abortion bans have passed in statehouses, including in Missouri and Alabama. Seventy-three percent of Americans — including a majority of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans — support access to abortion and do not want to see Roe v. Wade overturned.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.