NARAL Pro-Choice America believes every body, regardless of immigration status, has the right to reproductive freedom. That’s why we stand in solidarity with our progressive allies in support of immigration rights. Access to quality, affordable, comprehensive reproductive healthcare—including abortion—is critical for all people, and no one should face barriers or be denied care or coverage because of their immigration status.
However, current immigration laws and policies have created harmful and unnecessary barriers to care and coverage for immigrants. For example, many immigrants are subject to a five-year waiting period before they are allowed to enroll in health insurance programs such as Medicaid and CHIP, and undocumented immigrants are prohibited from these programs and the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges. These institutional barriers, compounded by the fear of discrimination and deportation, deny immigrants access to the healthcare and coverage they need, including reproductive health services.
NARAL Pro-Choice America supports more inclusive immigration laws and policies that would ensure access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare regardless of immigration status.