Trust Women denounces Oklahoma’s abortion ban

Yesterday, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed HB 1721. Julie Burkhart, founder and CEO of Trust Women and South Wind Women’s Center issued the following statement:

“Last week, my home state of Kansas passed a first-in-the-nation abortion ban that is being used as a dangerous model for other states, including Oklahoma’s HB 1721. Policymakers are placing thousands of women and families in harm’s way because they prioritize politics over good health care.

This orchestrated, national effort to ban a safe medical procedure is harmful to both physicians and patients. We expect doctors to provide the best care for their patients, to follow the standard of care. Unfortunately, Oklahoma legislators are making this impossible by prohibiting a medical procedure that may be necessary to protect women’s health and lives.

I refer to this law, and SB 95 in Kansas, by its more accurate name – the 'Physician Intimidation and Criminalization Act’ because it threatens doctors and force them to choose between breaking the law and providing the most appropriate care for their patients. It’s a choice no physician should have to make.

Oklahoma women already face severe restrictions when it comes to making their own choices about their health and their families. HB 1721 will only make it more difficult for women to receive necessary health care.

I trust women to make their own decisions about their bodies and lives, and I urge our state legislators throughout the Midwest and South to do the same.”

Trust Women opens clinics that provide full-spectrum reproductive healthcare, including abortion services, in underserved communities so that all women can make their own decisions about their health care. Trust Women works to expand access in the Midwest and the South.

The Gayly – April 14, 2015 @ 2pm.