FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Cindi Creager, CreagerCole Communications
(646) 279-4559, cindi@creagercole.com
Orie Givens, Director of Communications, AVP
(614) 571-5131, ogivens@avp.org
New York, NY – The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) strongly denounces the Supreme Court ruling that has overturned Roe v. Wade.
Statement from AVP Executive Director, Beverly Tillery:
“This decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is a direct assault on bodily autonomy and access to essential health care that so many of us rely on across this nation, especially those in states that have already or are poised to immediately outlaw abortion care. 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 reproductive health care, and include many who have experienced sexual and intimate partner violence. This decision. has an immeasurable and immediate impact on the health and safety of people in our communities, and this reversal of our rights will have devastating consequences within our society.
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. With Roe v. Wade now overturned, the most marginalized people in our communities face an even greater risk for violence. And this very decision is an act of institutional violence toward people who need access to reproductive care, creating a new reality of increased harm.
This devastating ruling also threatens our right to privacy and lays the groundwork for the potential reversal of other civil rights protections in this country. The court’s actions are the result of an increasingly pervasive conservative agenda that criminalizes those in our society who are marginalized simply for being who they are. Along with anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ legislation that is being introduced and passed in numerous states, this reversal of Roe v. Wade targets thousands for seeking essential health care, as well as the healthcare providers delivering that care and does nothing for the safety and well-being of our communities.
As a leader in the anti-violence movement, AVP understands that this is part of a multi-pronged right-wing effort to attack marginalized and oppressed communities as a means of engaging and riling their base. We’ve seen this before and sadly may see more to come. As always, we
will prioritize holding space and advocating for our community. And we maintain our decades-long commitment to coming together in resistance and in community to face this latest threat and continue our work for safety and liberation.
As we denounce this 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 now that this fundamental protection is gone. 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 anytime 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.