Media Center: Press Release

Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health to present Dr. Shalom Press with the William K. Rashbaum, MD Abortion Provider Award

New York, NY—Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH) today honors doctors who provide abortions across America. Established in 1996, the National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers commemorates the death of Dr. David Gunn, the first of several abortion providers shot by anti-choice extremists in the 1990s. This day is an opportunity to thank physicians and clinic staff who continue to provide abortion services despite harassment and anti-choice legislation.

Since 1982, the number of abortion providers in the United States has fallen by 37%, making abortion access increasingly difficult. Today, 87% of U.S. counties have no abortion provider, especially in non-urban areas. As a result, one quarter of women seeking abortions must travel more than 50 miles to obtain a procedure. Abortion providers also face intimidation and harassment as a result of the services they provide—56% of abortion providers practicing outside hospitals experience some form of harassment each year. In the face of these obstacles, PRCH and other pro-choice organizations recognize the contributions of physicians who provide abortions through the National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers.

This year, PRCH will honor the career of Dr. Shalom Press, a longtime abortion provider in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Press continues to provide abortions today, despite the presence of protestors outside his office, having received death threats and even the murder of his colleague Barnett Slepian in 1998. In recognition of his dedication to abortion access, PRCH will present Dr. Press with the inaugural William K. Rashbaum, MD, Abortion Provider Award. Dr. Press will receive the award during a ceremony on March 29.

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