Planned Parenthood Denounces Bill to Ban Abortion Method

Mississippi Governor signs legislation banning common and safe abortion method

Jackson, MS – Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has signed legislation banning the most common method of second-trimester abortion. HB 519 bans dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion, which is considered to be extremely safe.

Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Planned Parenthood and health care providers across the country are deeply concerned with this legislation. This bill is not based in medicine. Governor Bryant just signed a clear attack on women’s health care as part of a plan to ban abortion across the board. Planned Parenthood will continue to fight to protect our patients and their access to safe medical care, no matter what.”

Statement from Felicia Brown-Williams, Director of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Southeast:

“Let’s be clear that the true intent of this legislation is not to protect women. This type of bill does nothing to make abortion safer for women and is nothing more than elected officials playing doctor by legislating medical procedures. The legislators who supported this bill clearly do not trust women to make these very personal decisions in real life situations.”

Mississippi women and families need expanded access to health care. Instead, HB 519 is designed to prohibit Mississippi women from exercising their legal right to essential health care. This is yet another attempt to chip away at women’s access to safe and legal abortion.

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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 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.