NOW President Testifies Against Puerto Rico’s Extreme Abortion Bans

Statement of National NOW President Christian F. Nunes

Today, I testified in front of the Comision de lo Juridico/Committee on Legal Matters of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives by video in opposition to legislation that would further restrict access to abortion—which remains legal in Puerto Rico. Last April, I testified against legislation that would mimic the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in the U.S. within the territory of Puerto Rico.   

My testimony read, in part: 

This time, I would like to speak against three bills…each would set women back in Puerto Rico, lead to complications that could impact their health or lives, and negatively affect the well-being of their families.  

Predictably, the situation has created widespread confusion — not only for persons needing abortion care but also for physicians concerned about protecting their professional practice. 

It is primarily those women who live in poverty-impacted communities – often communities of color — who are most harmed by abortion bans. A consequence of the Dobbs decision is a tragic racial disparity that will only deepen poverty and suffering for many. We know that this is a concern of many legislators in Puerto Rico… 

Women will make the best decisions for themselves and their families. 

We can’t let Puerto Rico be the next pawn in the extremist campaign to control women’s bodies, restrict access to abortion and endanger women’s health.  

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The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the nation’s leading membership-based advocacy group dedicated to defending women’s rights, advancing equality and combating injustice in all aspects of social, political and economic life. Through educating, mobilizing, and convening a vast network of grassroots activists across the country, NOW advocates for national, state and local policies that promote an anti-racist and intersectional feminist agenda. Since its founding in 1966, NOW has been on the frontlines of nearly every major advancement for women’s rights and continues to champion progressive values today. More about NOW’s efforts and resources is available at NOW.org. 

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