Urgent Action Needed: Support Reproductive Freedom in Louisiana
Make Calls to Support Reproductive Freedom
We need our community to rally around HB245 by Rep. Freeman, which will be under consideration in the House Civil Law Committee on Monday 3/25. This amendment is not just about reproductive rights; it’s about safeguarding reproductive justice - the fundamental right to control our bodies, health, and futures.
Here’s why your action is critical:
What’s at Stake:
Our recent report, “Criminalized Care: How Louisiana’s Abortion Bans Endanger Patients and Clinicians,” sheds light on the dire consequences of Louisiana’s aggressive anti-abortion laws. Since the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Louisiana has become one of the most hostile states towards reproductive rights, criminalizing abortion and imposing severe penalties on healthcare providers. These laws not only violate federal statutes but also disregard evidence-based public health guidance, erode medical ethics, and infringe upon human rights.
The Human Impact:
Our research with our partners paints a grim picture of the situation in our state. Pregnant patients face uncertainty, fear, and delays in accessing essential reproductive healthcare services. Under the threat of punitive measures, clinicians are forced into moral dilemmas, jeopardizing patient care and their professional integrity. Moreover, these bans disproportionately harm historically marginalized communities, exacerbating existing health disparities.
The Urgency of Action:
The findings of our report underscore the urgent need for legislative action. We cannot afford to continue endangering the lives and health of Louisianans. HB 245 represents a crucial step towards restoring autonomy and dignity to pregnant individuals and ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.
Your Role:
Your voice matters in this fight for reproductive justice. By calling members of the House Civil Law Committee and urging them to support HB 245, you demonstrate that this is the will of the people. Your advocacy can help break the silence and compel lawmakers to prioritize the health and rights of all Louisianans.
Please take a few moments to call the members of the House Civil Law Committee and express your support for HB 245. Use the script provided below or share your personal reasons for backing this amendment:
Script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling to let Representative [NAME] know that I support HB 245 by Rep. Freeman. [insert your own reason or use one the talking points on this page]
This amendment would put the power back in the hands of the people of Louisiana, so everyone has the freedom to prevent, continue, or end a pregnancy should they decide.
Polling shows that 53% of likely voters in Louisiana would support this amendment.
The health and lives of patients across our state have been put at risk and physicians are faced with the prospect of being arrested, charged, convicted of felonies, and jailed for providing standard, appropriate, evidence-based medical care.
This common sense amendment ensures that physicians will be able to provide the care their patients need and deserve free from government interference.
Abortion bans are exacerbating the harm of Louisiana’s maternal health crisis.
Chairman Nicholas Muscarello, Jr. (985) 974-0009
Vice Chair Christopher Turner (318) 251-5038
Representative Chad Brown (225) 687-2410
Representative Wilford Dan Carter, Sr. (337) 491-2320
Representative Kathy Edmonston (225) 647-5646
Representative Brian Leonard Glorioso (985) 960-4251
Representative Michael T. Johnson (318) 487-5377
Representative Ed Larvadain, III (318) 487-5441
Representative Michael Melerine (318) 553-2259
Representative Mark Wright (985) 893-6262
Representative John E. Wyble (985) 515-1020
Attend the hearing
House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure
Monday, March 25, 2024
Committee Room 4
How do I get to the state Capitol?
Watch the Hearing Live at 9:30 am CT