Tennessee, Idaho, and Texas Enact Trigger Bans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2022
CONTACT: naf@berlinrosen.com
Today, Tennessee, Idaho, and Texas will implement draconian abortion trigger bans, outlawing nearly all abortions in all three states. Although abortion is restricted in these states already, today they will enact near-total bans, or in Texas’ case, create harsher punishments for those who violate the law.
Statement from Melissa Fowler, Chief Program Officer at the National Abortion Federation:
“It’s been two months since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and people in nearly one-third of the country have lost meaningful access to abortion care. Today, we are bracing for the impact as additional bans go into effect in Tennessee, Idaho, and Texas—states and regions that have already become abortion deserts.
Since the Dobbs decision, our National Abortion Hotline has seen an alarming rise in patients forced to leave their home states to access care hundreds of miles away because essential abortion care is either outlawed or criminalized where they live. We are also supporting our member providers with their increasing security needs as anti-abortion extremists are emboldened by new bans. In short, these laws are dangerously politically motivated, designed to control people’s bodies, and ultimately seriously harm abortion providers and people seeking this care.
While this is a devastating moment for reproductive rights, we have seen an outpouring of support from individuals, whether in the form of the ballot measure vote in Kansas earlier this month or in the form of donations and support, and by local courts that have moved to block draconian bans and uphold reproductive rights. We also continue to be deeply inspired by our member providers across the country who are evolving creatively and thoughtfully to continue providing care and prioritize patients’ well-being and personal medical decisionmaking during this public health crisis.
NAF remains committed to helping anyone, no matter their income, race, or zip code, access abortion care. Anyone in any state can call the NAF Hotline at 1-800-772-9100 to understand their options and get the assistance they need, whether that’s help finding a provider, arranging travel to another state, or funding their care.”
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