Decriminalizing Abortion, Establishing Fundamental Rights
NIRH firmly believes that no one should be arrested or investigated for their pregnancy decisions, including abortion. More than that, we believe that creating healthy and safe communities for all requires that abortion care be supported, accessible, affordable, and available where people live.
With Roe v. Wade overturned, however, abortion could become unavailable in half the states in the country. Increasingly, it could be treated as a crime.
We are already seeing increased threats of criminalization for abortion providers, people who have abortions, and those who help them. We are also seeing the impact on those whose pregnancies go wrong, as compassionate, necessary medical care is withheld.
As always, the people most impacted by criminalization are the same ones who have been hurt the most by the many restrictions on abortion that already existed: Black, Indigenous, and communities of color, as well as low-wage workers and people living in rural areas.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
We’re working for EQUITABLE ACCESS TO CARE – STATE BY STATE
IN STATES WHERE ABORTION CARE IS PROTECTED, WE’RE:
- Expanding access – including through funding
- Safeguarding and support those who travel for care
- Removing old, restrictive laws that may still be on the books
In states where abortion is no Longer or Becoming Unavailable, we’re:
- Doing the long-term movement building that will be necessary to win back rights and autonomy
- Securing access to contraception and pregnancy care