Statement by Planned Parenthood of New Mexico in response to Albuquerque’s 20-week abortion ban

ALBURQUERQUE, NM — From North Carolina to Wisconsin to Texas and now Albuquerque, the attacks on women’s health care are relentless. In the first three months of 2013, state legislators around the country introduced nearly 700 reproductive health related measures, half of which would restrict access to abortions. These efforts have now made their way into our own backyard. Yesterday members of the opposition submitted 18,000 signatures backing the measure proposed by Operation Rescue, for this year’s Oct. 8 municipal election, that would ban abortion even in cases of rape, incest, and when the women’s life is in danger.

In states that have passed laws like this, some women and their families have been put into unimaginable situations — needing to end a pregnancy for serious medical reasons, but unable to do so.

These laws aren’t really about the very rare cases where abortion happens late in pregnancy. They’re part of a coordinated strategy by politicians and groups who want to end safe and legal abortion entirely.

Statement from Vicki Cowart, Planned Parenthood New Mexico CEO:
“Restrictions on abortion, like the one being proposed by Operation Rescue in Albuquerque, are a deliberate effort to overturn Roe v Wade. These attacks are misguided and as a result, women will suffer. When a woman seeks an abortion later in pregnancy, it's often the result of heartbreaking and unusual circumstances—the kind of situation where she and her doctor should have every medical option available.”

“Efforts like this have nothing to do with protecting women. They will not promote health care. They are dangerous, they are over-reaching, and women are already paying the price in states where they have been enacted.”

“Planned Parenthood New Mexico, in conjunction with our NM Coalition for Choice partners, strongly opposes this proposal and is prepared to educate voters and the public about this measure.”

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Planned Parenthood of New Mexico and its parent organization Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains empower individuals and families in the communities we serve to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health by providing high quality health services, comprehensive sex education, and strategic advocacy.  More than 105,000 women, men, and young adults annually visit our 33 health centers throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Nevada, and Wyoming.  Since 1916, we have been the region’s most trusted provider of reproductive health care.  For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, call 1.800.230.PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you.