As an intern at the New Orleans Abortion Fund, this semester has been a whirlwind of obstacles to overcome. In early October of 2019 the Supreme Court agreed to hear June Medical Services v. Gee, a case originated from a Louisiana law passed in 2014 that mandates physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital within 30 miles. If the court decides to uphold this law and it goes into effect it will have detrimental impacts on the three existing clinics in Louisiana. This is part of an ongoing, national and coordinated effort by anti abortion groups to legislate abortion care out of existence under current political leadership.
Louisiana residents are continuously worried that the right to obtain healthcare services and maintain bodily autonomy is at risk. This law provides no medical benefits and would harm patients by eliminating their access to abortion care. NOAF continues to work tireless to ensure that folks in Louisiana are aware that they can still access reproductive healthcare and to continue to fund abortions in spite of the Hyde Amendment. We are increasing our grassroots presence by organizing community canvassing events to create conversations surrounding abortion access
and educate citizens regarding their rights.
Now, more than ever, working in reproductive rights and health is undeniably important. The livelihood of millions of individuals continues to be on the line and we must fight diligently to ensure that the constitutional right to abortion, as mandated by Roe v. Wade, is preserved.