Radical Abortion Ban Takes Effect; Planned Parenthood of Southern New England says "We Are Still Here for You"

Despite the Texas abortion ban, PPSNE reaffirms its commitment to provide and protect access to abortion for all people — no matter what

(New Haven, CT) — Late Wednesday night, the U.S. Supreme Court denied an emergency request to block Texas’ radical new abortion ban (S.B. 8), which took effect on September 1, and forced almost all abortion in Texas to come to an abrupt stop. This ruling allows the law to remain in effect. The case will now proceed before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

The law bans abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of people who obtain abortions in Texas are at least six weeks into pregnancy, meaning this law will decimate abortion access in the state. The law includes a bounty-hunting scheme, encouraging private individuals to sue anyone in Texas who violates the law.  

S.B. 8 is a shot across the bow for safe, accessible and legal abortion across the nation. SCOTUS’ refusal of the emergency request to block empowers abortion opponents and will inspire similar measures in other states. Generations of people have fought for the right to abortion, and politicians across the country won’t stop until this right is eliminated. Laws which deny legal abortions to those who need them chip away at the edifice of Roe v. Wade for everyone. State level protections are essential to ensuring every person, no matter their zip code, has access to the health care they need and deserve. 

Abortion is still legal and safe in Connecticut and Rhode Island and PPSNE’s doors are open to everyone. Patients can continue to access a full range of compassionate, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including access to safe, legal abortion.   

To make an in-person appointment at one of the 15 PPSNE health centers or to schedule a virtual telehealth visit in Connecticut and Rhode Island, visit ppsne.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526).  

Statement from Amanda Skinner, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England: 

“This is a dark day for reproductive rights in Texas and a loud alarm to us all across the country. This heinous abortion ban overwhelmingly harms Black and Latinx people, people with low incomes, and people in rural areas, who already face immense barriers to health care access. 

“Let’s be clear– the Texas abortion ban, S.B. 8, is part of a national agenda to end abortion across the country. Roe v. Wade and 50 years of precedent are under threat.  We need to do all we can to preserve and protect access to abortion – we cannot allow the reality of Texas to become the reality of this country.   

“At PPSNE, our doors are open.  Our patients come first, and we are ready to help them navigate this incredibly difficult situation. We will continue to do everything we can to provide access to abortion care — no matter what.”