Statement from Lupe M. Rodríguez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, on the death of two women because of GA’s abortion ban.

“We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that at least two women have died because of their state’s abortion ban. They should still be alive today. While these were the first documented deaths due to abortion bans, there are almost certainly others. Far too many people have been denied emergency care because of these unjust, inhumane bans, including those whose names we may never know.

“This story is another sobering reminder that bans on abortion care harm our communities and do nothing to protect anyone’s health or safety. Like Georgia, there are states all across the country with medically unnecessary abortion bans, and we know that because of systemic racism and discrimination, it is communities of color, including Black women, Latinas/xs, and as new data shows, im/migrants, who are the most affected by these laws. For people without documentation in states like Texas—where U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents set up internal checkpoints along all major routes—accessing abortion care is nearly impossible, as traveling to another state for abortion care means risking family separation, detention and deportation.

“Throughout a pregnancy, a person’s health and well-being — not political interference — should guide important medical decisions.

“Enough is enough. The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice will continue to fight for reproductive justice and build power in our communities across the country. We will not stop until we create a country where everyone can get the care they need, no matter their immigration status, who they are, or where they live.”