Planned Parenthood Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Protect Safe, Legal Abortion Access

WASHINGTON - Planned Parenthood Federation of America applauded today’s reintroduction of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), a critical piece of legislation that would protect women’s access to safe, legal abortion across the country. The legislation -- sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA-27), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11) -- would block medically unnecessary abortion restrictions being pushed forward by state politicians. The legislation builds upon the recent victory affirmed by the Supreme Court in Whole Woman’s Health vs. Hellerstedt, providing an additional legal tool through which to challenge abortion restrictions. Since 2011, politicians have passed more than 330 restrictions on safe, legal abortion at the state level.

Statement of Dana Singiser, Vice President for Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Individual rights and freedom go to the heart of who we are as a country, including the right to access safe and legal abortion. For too many women today, those legal rights do not translate into access, especially for young people, women of color, those who live in rural areas, and people with low incomes. Yet extreme politicians are working harder than ever to further restrict access to safe and legal abortion. We applaud women’s health champions in Congress for today’s introduction of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would give us a critically important legal tool to fight against these attacks.

“Access to safe and legal abortion has been the law of the land for more than 40 years, and is a part of the fabric of American jurisprudence, reaffirmed just months ago in the case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt.  Indeed, more than half of women in the United States were born after the Roe decision, and many have never known a world without this fundamental right. This is clearly established precedent, and must not be up for debate. The Women’s Health Protection Act will help ensure that every person can access abortion, no matter who there are or where they live.”

###

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 over 650 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.