The future of abortion in the United States is in peril — and that’s the reason we need your help.
As the ultraconservative Supreme Court is slated to hear a major anti-abortion case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, it is vital to support legislation to protect the constitutional right to terminate unwanted pregnancies. This is why the Freedom From Religion Foundation is applauding the reintroduction of the Women’s Health Protection Act by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, Conn., and Tammy Baldwin, Wis., as well as Reps. Judy Chu, Calif., Lois Frankel, Fla., Ayanna Pressley, Mass., and Veronica Escobar, Texas.
The act protects abortion rights by nullifying state abortion bans. It would guarantee the right for patients to receive abortion care and for health care professionals to provide abortions. Additionally, it would protect against medically unnecessary restrictions, such as mandatory ultrasounds, waiting periods, admitting privilege requirements and limits on medication abortion. Such restrictions create burdensome barriers to abortion access. Therefore, the Women’s Health Protection Act is significant because it protects abortion access — even should the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision weaken or overturn Roe v. Wade.
The religious attacks on abortion access have significantly ramped up. Indeed, 2021 is a record-setting year for abortion restrictions. In just one week, 28 anti-abortion bills were signed into law. So far this year, the Guttmacher Institute has recorded over 550 abortion restrictions introduced in 47 states. More than 80 restrictions have been enacted in 16 states.
This is in direct contrast to public opinion. In fact, 75 percent of all Americans support abortion rights, including 98.8 percent of secular voters.
That’s why we need secular voices more than ever. FFRF is proud to support the Women’s Health Protection Act. We participated in a tweetstorm yesterday when the bill was officially reintroduced.
