FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Cindi Creager, CreagerCole Communications
(646) 279-4559, cindi@creagercole.com
New York, NY – The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) joined the chorus of voices speaking out against the widely circulated leaked draft Supreme Court opinion that overturns Roe V Wade.
Statement from AVP Executive Director, Beverly Tillery:
“Overturning Roe v. Wade would unleash a direct assault on the reproductive rights so many of us rely on across this nation, especially those in states that have already or are poised to immediately outlaw abortion care. AVP condemns this draft opinion in the strongest terms. The LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors AVP serves and represents are cis women, trans men, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who need access to abortion and other essential reproductive health care, and include many who have experienced sexual and intimate partner violence.
Health care is a human right. Government entities have no business interfering in personal health care decisions that should be left to patients, families, and doctors. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the most vulnerable people in our communities will be at risk for even more violence.
This draft ruling continues the dangerous trend of the criminalization of those in our society who are marginalized simply for being who they are and for making decisions that are critical to their own health and well-being. Along with anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ legislation that is being introduced in numerous states, and recently passed in Texas, Florida, and Iowa, a reversal of Roe v. Wade would criminalize thousands for seeking essential health care and the health care providers delivering that care. This ruling would create a host of safety issues for those who most desperately need access to abortion and reproductive care.
Our anti-violence movement must continue to monitor and respond to policies that make members of the LGBTQ community unsafe.
As we denounce this draft opinion, we urge our community members to make their voices heard by speaking out, contacting their elected officials, and sharing what’s at stake for our lives if this fundamental protection is overturned. Everyone deserves access to safe, affordable abortion care and all forms of reproductive care, including LGBTQ people. This is an important time for our communities to be united in demanding our basic right to have full autonomy over our bodies and our health care needs and decisions.
We know that this news is disturbing and can be triggering and frightening for many in our community. We want you to know that, as always, AVP is here for you. If you are impacted by this news and need support, our hotline volunteers and counselors are ready and available any time you need them. Call or text AVP’s 24/7 English/Spanish hotline at 212-714-1141.”
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If you have experienced or witnessed violence, or need support, you can always reach out to our 24/7 bilingual (English/Spanish) hotline at 212-714-1141 or report violence online.