Planned Parenthood Signs Amicus Brief in Azar v. Garza
For Immediate Release: Aug. 8, 2018 (Updated: Aug. 8, 2018, 1 p.m.)
Same Case Where Brett Kavanaugh Ruled to Block a Young Undocumented Woman’s Access to Abortion
WASHINGTON DC - Planned Parenthood joined an amicus brief opposing the efforts of the department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement to block young, undocumented women from accessing safe, legal abortion. This is the same case, in which, Judge Kavanaugh ruled twice to block a young undocumented woman’s access to abortion.
Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
At Planned Parenthood, we believe all people have a constitutional right to safe, legal abortion, regardless of their immigration status. That’s why we are urging the D.C. Circuit Court to protect this legal right for young, undocumented women, like Jane Doe, who are seeking abortions in this country. After risking everything to flee danger in their home countries, these women should be able to access basic health care with dignity — not be met with coercion and cruelty.
"Both the Trump-Pence administration and HHS Secretary Azar have continued to uphold Scott Lloyd’s unconstitutional, unethical actions in the Jane Doe case. Meanwhile, Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court places access to abortion for undocumented women further at risk. In this very case, Garza v. Hargan, Kavanaugh ruled that prolonging a young, undocumented woman’s pregnancy against her will while she was in government custody was not an ‘undue burden.’
“Kavanaugh’s nomination puts the right to access safe, legal abortion on the line. That’s why Planned Parenthood joins women around the country to demand that the Senate oppose his nomination and protect our constitutional right to control our own bodies.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.