Expressing support for the recognition of March 10, 2024, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day".
Impact
The resolution also highlights the broader context of abortion access in the United States, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. This significant legal change has led to increased restrictions and outright bans on abortion in numerous states, resulting in drastic declines in access to abortion services. The resolution aims to affirm the commitment of Congress to ensuring the safety and continued operation of abortion providers and acknowledges the escalating threats they have faced since the Dobbs decision.
Summary
HCR95 is a concurrent resolution expressing support for the recognition of March 10, 2024, as 'Abortion Provider Appreciation Day.' This resolution acknowledges the essential role that abortion providers play in the healthcare system and aims to celebrate their courage and dedication to providing high-quality care to individuals seeking abortion services. The date was specially chosen to honor Dr. David Gunn, who was murdered outside an abortion clinic in 1993, underscoring the longstanding challenges abortion providers face due to extremist violence.
Conclusion
By recognizing March 10 as Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, HCR95 not only honors those who provide vital reproductive health services but also serves as a call to action to uphold and protect these services amid ongoing legal and societal challenges. The resolution encapsulates a significant moment for advocacy in reproductive justice by urging a commitment to unwavering support for both providers and patients alike.
Contention
HCR95 addresses several contentious points surrounding abortion access, including the disproportionate impact of restrictions on marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. The resolution condemns the heightened violence and harassment faced by abortion providers and emphasizes the importance of supporting these providers in a politically charged environment where access to abortion is increasingly limited. Therefore, it seeks to mobilize a collective effort to protect the rights and safety of both providers and patients.
Expressing support for the recognition of September 26, 2023, as "World Contraception Day" and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding global and domestic access to contraception.