A concurrent resolution expressing support for the recognition of March 10, 2026, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day".
Impact
The resolution asserts its commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and the right of patients to access abortion care without fear of violence or stigma. It condemns recent legislative actions and judicial decisions that have restricted access to abortion, notably referencing the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade through the Dobbs decision. By recognizing this day, the resolution aims to raise awareness of the numerous challenges abortion providers encounter, including harassment and political interference.
Summary
SCR28 is a concurrent resolution expressing support for the recognition of March 10, 2026, as 'Abortion Provider Appreciation Day.' The resolution aims to celebrate the essential care that abortion providers and their staff offer across the United States, acknowledging their courage and dedication in a challenging and often hostile environment. The resolution highlights the historical context of the day, created in honor of Dr. David Gunn, who was murdered outside his clinic by an anti-abortion extremist in 1993, underlining the ongoing violence and harassment faced by abortion providers.
Contention
SCR28 acknowledges the negative impact of state-level abortion bans and restrictions, which have resulted in many healthcare centers closing, thus reducing access to abortion services and placing additional burdens on patients who are often forced to travel longer distances for care. Critics of current measures against abortion access argue that these restrictions disproportionately affect marginalized groups, deepening inequities in healthcare access. This resolution serves as a counter-narrative to these trends, advocating for the acknowledgment of the critical role that abortion providers play in supporting reproductive rights.