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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Women’s Health Protection Act Protects Patients and Providers from Wave of Abortion Restrictions

May 23, 2019, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today celebrated the reintroduction of federal legislation guaranteeing health care providers an affirmative statutory right to deliver care free from medically unnecessary abortion restrictions. NCJW CEO Nancy Kaufman released the following statement:

“Reproductive health care is under a sustained and coordinated attack. State lawmakers introduced a staggering 304 abortion restrictions in the first three months of 2019 alone, escalating an all-out assault that has produced over 400 laws constraining access to care since 2010. These sham laws single out abortion for regulations that apply to no similar medical practice and create a patchwork of abortion access varying from state to state. With the recent passage of dangerous restrictions in Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, and Ohio, the time is now to address these threats with federal legislation.

“The Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) — reintroduced today by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) — would create a new tool for safeguarding access to high-quality care and for securing the constitutional right to safe and legal abortion. NCJW is proud to be part of the Act for Women coalition, a national campaign that unites organizations and individuals in support of this critical legislation. As a faith- based organization, NCJW works to ensure that every single person can make their own faith-informed decision about their body, health, and future. And as Jews committed to pursuing tzedek (justice) for all, we firmly oppose laws that push basic health care out of reach for those living in poverty and in rural areas, people of color, LGBTQ people, and young people.

“WHPA would permit health care providers to deliver abortion services without limitations that are more burdensome than those imposed on medically comparable procedures, do not significantly advance patient health or the safety of abortion, or make abortion more difficult to access. Among such restrictions are mandatory waiting periods as well as medically unnecessary tests and procedures. As anti-abortion extremists across the country advance their agenda to legislate abortion rights out of existence, WHPA would grant each person equal access to the full range of reproductive health services without delays, judgment, or misinformation. It’s time for Congress to act for women by advancing this urgently needed bill.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.