WASHINGTON—Today, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) recognized the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s historic decision giving women the right to determine whether or when to become a parent. NHeLP Executive Director Emily Spitzer issued the following statement:
“In the wake of Roe, American women continue to face daily challenges accessing the health care, information and resources they need to plan their families and their futures. Half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are still unplanned, with low-income women and women of color most at risk.
Having access to the full scope of reproductive health services, including abortion, is crucial to women’s health and futures, yet out of reach for many.
Restrictions at the federal and state levels create barriers to abortion care through outright bans, unnecessary waiting periods, clinic regulations and other limitations. The Hyde Amendment—again added to the federal government’s budget—harshly and unfairly restricts abortion coverage for women on Medicaid. Hyde continues to deny low-income women the right and dignity to make decisions about their health.
As we mark another anniversary of Roe, we are reminded of how far we must still come for millions of American women.”
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