Did you know that Colorado is a safe haven for people seeking abortions? It's not unusual for us to see out-of-state patients -- especially from Texas, but after their recent COVID-related ban on abortion, PPRM received 250 calls to our hotline. The patient visits from Texas doubled from the first half of March to the second, and we are seeing more calls from Louisiana (1,000+ miles away).
These uncertain times truly underscore the urgent need for access to health care. As our country grapples with a global pandemic, now more than ever we need leaders who will strengthen our health care infrastructure instead of actively working to undermine it. In times like now, we need more health care—not less.
We are facing real threats to reproductive care across our country. Anti-abortion politicians are taking advantage of a public health crisis to attack abortion rights—a new low, even for them.
This tactic is not new. Anti-abortion controlled states have been working to make abortion inaccessible for decades. And now, as states have banned access to abortion by declaring these crucial medical procedures as “nonessential”, these barriers to care have increased.
We know that abortion care is essential care. It has always been essential, and must remain so during this public health crisis. Delays or additional barriers to care make it difficult or even possible for patients to access safe, legal abortion.
Stand with us as we fight to protect abortion care in Colorado and New Mexico in a time where protecting access to reproductive care is more important than ever.