While abortion is illegal in Louisiana, state leaders, activists, organizations speak out

On Aug. 12, the Louisiana Supreme Court denied an appeal that was filed to block the state’s abortion ban for the third time. The court’s decision marked a major blow for abortion-rights advocates.

“We should all be able to make decisions about our bodies,” said the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF). “Right now, in Louisiana, that right has been all but taken away with a cruel ban in place that broadly denies access to care.”

Since June, access to abortions in Louisiana has fluctuated, forcing the three clinics within the state to rely on rulings and temporary restraining orders and now permanent closures.

A Shreveport-based clinic, Hope Medical Group for Women, is currently searching for a new location. Kathaleen Pittman, administrator for Hope Medical Group for Women said in a prior interview with the Shreveport Times, "we are unable to continue abortion care in Louisiana and are actively searching for a new location."

Clinics in other states have taken action in relocation after the ruling of Roe vs. Wade. The Red River Women’s Clinic in North Dakota raised over $1 million to relocate to an abortion-friendly state.

Although, clinics across Louisiana are looking for new states to conduct business Louisiana Leaders are calling on activists to keep up the fight for abortion access in this state.

More:Shreveport abortion clinic plans to move after Louisiana abortion ban stays

Statements from Louisiana leaders

Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom

“In states like ours where abortion is banned, people are being forced to remain pregnant or, if they can afford it, travel hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of miles out of state to access care. That care can be delayed due to financial barriers and the need to navigate complicated logistical hurdles. The chaos, confusion, and devastation that this is causing is EXACTLY what extremists and anti-abortion politicians have worked for decades to create. Those who believe in the right to make decisions about our own bodies and futures have been fighting back and we will continue to do so. Whether it is stepping up for local clinic workers who are now without a job or providing the information and support for people who need abortions or continued advocacy to push back against barriers to our bodily autonomy and push for reproductive justice, our commitment and our calling remains the same: WE WILL CARE FOR US. We know this is a frightening and infuriating time, but you are not alone. We are in this together!” said Jessica Frankel, Coalition Coordinator.

National Birth Equity Collaborative

“The decision to close the clinics in Louisiana is one of the many decisions that will impact the lives of Black women not just in Louisiana but in the surrounding states as well. The restrictive conservative policies forced on poor, Black, Indigenous and other women of color will not cause folk to align with the religious right or increase the number of white women giving birth in any incremental ways. It will force a diverse group of women to find other ways to get their reproductive needs met. However, some women will be forced to carry pregnancies, endure adverse health issues and even lose their lives due to the absence of care in Louisiana. Losses due to the imposition of rigorous religious ideology being used to govern a people brought to the US for religious liberty. We must restore choice. We must restore the freedoms that created this nation,” said Rev. Deneen Robinson, State Policy Strategist.

VAYLA New Orleans

“Abortion access is essential to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Nationally, one in three of our pregnancies end in abortion. For Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the south, choice is power and sovereignty,”said Jacqueline Thanh, MSW, Executive Director.

ACLU of Louisiana

“Everyone deserves the dignity and power to decide for themselves if and when they have a child. Those who are trying to take away this fundamental human right are counting on our silence and submission. But we cannot accept forced pregnancy as the law of the land. Our work ahead will require protecting each other from pregnancy surveillance and criminalization, donating to abortion funds that help people access critical care, taking to the streets, and committing to a renewed fight for bodily autonomy. The ACLU will continue to do everything in our power to ensure all people can access the care they need, when they need it. Politicians don’t get the last word. We do,” said Chris Kaiser, Advocacy Director.

Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast

“In light of the latest devastating news of Louisianans losing our only three abortion clinics, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast continues to stand proudly with the compassionate people who are now forced to uproot their lives to continue their commitment to providing safe abortion.

We are deeply disappointed state leaders have allowed Louisiana’s public health crisis to worsen. People and families around the country, and especially communities of color that have been systematically marginalized, are already struggling to make ends meet during an ongoing recession. Abortion is health care, and every person deserves access to the care they need. No one should be forced to leave their city or state for essential health care.

Even though we have never been able to provide abortion in Louisiana, we are here to connect and assist those in need to get access. This fight is not over and we are diligently working to ensure everyone has access to the care that is best for their body, their life and their future. Our health care centers remain open and it remains our mission to provide affordable sexual and reproductive health care to all in need,” said Petrice Sams-Abiodun, PhD, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships- Louisiana.

10,000 Women Louisiana

"Whether elective or medically necessary, safe abortion will always be part of the full range of reproductive health care. We know from our past that anyone wanting or needing to terminate a pregnancy will do so by any means possible. Those with resources will travel and those without may resort to unsafe methods. Roe was the end of septic abortion wards in our hospitals. The closure of our last three clinics leaves Louisiana with a bleak future," said Angela Adkins, Coordinator.

Read:New Orleans court blocks enforcement of Louisiana's trigger law outlawing abortion

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana leaders provide calls to action on abortion rights