Mississippi Governor Signs Abortion Ban, Continues State's Legacy of Undermining Freedom and Privacy

Washington, DC—Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, called Gov. Haley Barbour's (R-MS) decision to sign a statewide abortion ban into law an egregious attack on women's freedom and privacy.  The ban would outlaw abortion in Mississippi in nearly all circumstances if the Supreme Court were to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

"Gov. Barbour continues to bow to far-right anti-choice groups. Signing this ban represents a complete disregard for a woman's personal, private medical decisions," Keenan said.

Keenan continued that Barbour's action makes him the latest example of anti-choice politicians who continue to attack safe, legal abortion, while they refuse to support commonsense policies, like better access to birth control, that would prevent unintended pregnancies.

"The hypocrisy is blatant," Keenan said. "In the Bush tradition, Gov. Barbour won't support or promote a different vision for Mississippi—one that allows families to make personal, private decisions without political interference. Mississippians are tired of divisive attacks on women's freedom and privacy." 

Mississippi, which received an "F" in the latest edition of NARAL Pro-Choice America's publication, Who Decides? The Status of Women's Reproductive Rights in the United States, has no pro-choice laws on its books, including those that would help reduce the need for abortion. This means the state does not even ensure:

• honest, realistic sex education for teens;
• that insurance companies cover birth control just like other prescription medications; or
• that sexual-assault survivors receive emergency in the emergency room.

NARAL Pro-Choice America sent two alerts to more than 1,000 of its member activists in Mississippi, urging them to tell legislators that they oppose this bill.

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032