430 Health Care Providers Ask President Biden to Act Now

Today, Physicians for Reproductive Health sent a letter to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and lawmakers in support of abortion care and gender affirming care. Signed by 430 health care professionals, the letter asks that in the final months of the Administration, they prioritize the needs of people who need abortions and gender affirming care with bold policy solutions, not a return to frameworks like Roethat never met our needs. Read the letter in its entirety.

In response to the letter, Dr. Jamila Perritt, President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health issued the following statement:

"As an ob/gyn, I see patients daily who don't feel safe and validated in their health care experiences. Whether they are seeking abortions, contraception, or gender-affirming care, patients face immense emotional and logistical challenges, navigating a maze of stigma, misinformation, and limited access to essential, life-saving health care. These struggles often lead to delayed care, increased health risks, poor health outcomes, and a profound sense of isolation. My patients deserve more.

"The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has dramatically intensified these inequities, resulting in a surge of undesired or mistimed pregnancies, preventable health complications, and heightened barriers to accessing culturally responsive, community grounded care. Providers are now forced to travel to states without legal restrictions to practice and train, disrupting the continuity and availability of health care. This seismic shift is reshaping our health system, as emerging providers face obstacles in obtaining comprehensive reproductive health care training, leaving significant gaps in our ability to serve our communities. This must change.

In addition to advocating for policy change, we must first transform how we discuss this essential, life-saving care.

"To make matters worse, the use of stigmatizing language when discussing access to abortion later in pregnancy or about gender-affirming care for young people inflicts tremendous harm, particularly when such rhetoric comes from our nation's leaders. The members of our communities who are most vulnerable to systemic and intersecting oppressions, including Black and Indigenous people of color, LGBTQIA2A+ folx, people living with disabilities, and those facing financial hardship, are disproportionately impacted by these restrictive policies and stigmatizing rhetoric. In addition to advocating for policy change, we must first transform how we discuss this essential, life-saving care. From adopting more inclusive and appropriate language, to centering the agency, autonomy, and privacy of patients seeking abortions and gender-affirming care, we must always prioritize the health and well-being of those we care for. We have an obligation to our communities to do so.

Unfortunately, Roe v. Wade was never enough to ensure our communities obtained the care they needed. It was, in fact, barely a starting point.

"Full-spectrum reproductive and gender-affirming health care are not only essential, life-saving services, but fundamental human rights. At PRH, we envision a world where every individual has access to comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based health care. In this world, decisions about one's body are made by individuals, supported by trusted health care providers, family, and friends-not by politicians. Unfortunately, Roe v. Wade was never enough to ensure our communities obtained the care they needed. It was, in fact, barely a starting point. We must continue to advocate for more robust political solutions for those seeking abortions and gender-affirming care, regardless of locality, race, sex, gender, or socioeconomic status. Today, we are calling for bold and brave solutions that support individuals in seeking the care they need free of stigma, delays, and barriers.

As providers, it is our responsibility to offer compassionate health care and evidence-based advocacy, to support our patients to the best of our abilities, and ultimately, to build a future where everyone is positioned to thrive. It is my hope that this letter will inspire change within our current legislative landscape, centering the humanity and dignity of those at the margins of oppression."

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