TODAY: With Abortion Rights on the Line at the Supreme Court, Planned Parenthood Organizations and Partners to Hold Bans Off Our Bodies Day of Action Nationwide

As the Supreme Court hears arguments in a case that could unravel the constitutional right to abortion, organizations will host events across the country, both virtually and in-person, to send a clear message: Bans Off Our Bodies 

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (JWHO), a challenge to Mississippi’s abortion ban that could decimate the constitutional right to an abortion established by Roe v. Wade. At the same time, Planned Parenthood organizations and partners will hold a Bans Off Our Bodies Day of Action with events outside the court, in Mississippi, and in cities across the country.  

The state of Mississippi has explicitly asked the Supreme Court to use this case to overturn Roe. Should that happen, more than 36 million women of reproductive age, and more people who can become pregnant, in 26 mostly southern and midwestern states could lose access to abortion.

Example of homepage takeover ad in online newspaper in Florida

Planned Parenthood organizations and other partners are following the lead of the Abortion Freedom Fighters in Mississippi and the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing JWHO, during this Bans Off Our Bodies Day of Action. Our organizations urge supporters and activists to get involved and speak out during this pivotal moment. Reproductive rights organizations are set to host in-person and virtual events, launch mobile billboard and homepage takeovers across the country, and more. Together, we will send a loud and clear message to politicians who want to control people’s bodies and lives: BANS OFF OUR BODIES.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“We’re at a crisis point. With this case, the Supreme Court could unravel the constitutional right to an abortion, which has been precedent for nearly 50 years. It would leave more than 36 million women, and more people who can become pregnant, without access in their states. We refuse to just stand by. Together, with all of our partners across the country, we will once again deliver a clear message on this day of action: Keep your Bans Off Our Bodies. There are two things that I know are true: We’re in the fight of our lives, and Planned Parenthood will never stop fighting for every person’s right to access abortion.”

Among the events taking place on the day of action include:

• In-person events in Washington, D.C. at the Supreme Court (Abortion Is Essental: Rally For Our Rights) and Jackson, MS, at Smith Park (Abortion Freedom Fighters Oral Arguments Rally)
• Additional in-person actions in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee
• Faith events, including a sunrise prayer service, interfaith service, and procession to the Supreme Court steps
• Virtual actions happening in California, Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina, South Dakota, and West Virginia
• Mobile billboards with the message “Bans Off Our Bodies” in DC, Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin
• Homepage takeovers in online newspapers in Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin
• PPFA Virtual listening session that asks supporters to take action online 

Planned Parenthood organizations and partners are showing up in force because we all deserve to control our own bodies, our lives, and our futures. Politicians passing abortion restrictions are acting in defiance of the American people whose support for safe, legal abortion is strong: 80% of Americans want abortion to be legal. This day of action will send a loud and clear message to politicians: Banning abortion is unconstitutional, dangerous, deeply unpopular, and people will not stand for it.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all 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, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.