Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Statement on the Enactment of Texas S.B. 8

DENVER, CO - Texas Senate Bill 8 takes effect today, September 1st, virtually eliminating abortion care access for patients in the state. S.B. 8 bans abortion care after six weeks, which is before many patients know they are pregnant. It also allows anyone who is opposed to abortion care to sue an abortion provider or anyone who helps a patient access abortion care. The following statement was released today and is attributed to Vicki Cowart, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM):

“The first and most urgent message I have for Texas patients, Texas providers, and all those who will be impacted by this draconian law is this: We stand with you, and we are here for you. This law limits access to the health care that is a human right based on the arbitrary fact of one's zip code. It also isolates patients by placing their entire support network in potential legal jeopardy. It’s extreme, cruel, and stands in stark contrast to the strong support the vast majority Americans have for abortion care in this country. Today, our hearts are with Texas patients. Here in the Rocky Mountain region, our health center doors are open to anyone who seeks high-quality, compassionate health care, no matter where they live.”

This law goes into effect in what has been a turbulent year for reproductive rights. Since January, over 550 abortion restrictions, including 165 abortion bans, have been introduced across 47 states. 90 of those restrictions have been enacted across 16 states, including 10 bans. Later this fall, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case of a 15-week abortion ban out of Mississippi that could challenge almost 50 years of precedent set by the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade.

###

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, which includes Colorado, Southern Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, has been helping individuals make informed decisions for over 100 years.

Since 1916, we have been committed to delivering the highest quality reproductive health care, teaching comprehensive and developmentally appropriate sex education, and working diligently to protect an individual’s right to make their own decisions. Each year nearly 100,000 patients visit our 23 health centers throughout our region.

Call 1.800.230.PLAN for the Planned Parenthood nearest you.