Media Center: Press Release

“When doctors and clinics are under attack, the health of the entire community suffers.”

New York, NY—In December 2007, two abortion clinics and a family planning clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were attacked.  In a statement released by Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH), physicians and activists who were involved in abortion care and reform prior to Roe v. Wade called for an end to these violent attacks.

The physicians and activists who signed this statement all took part in Voices of Choice, a film that details the experiences of advocates who worked to legalize abortion in the United States.  More information about the project, and excerpts from each participant’s interview, is available online.

“We who fought to legalize abortion in the United States are outraged by the violence against three reproductive health clinics in Albuquerque last month.  When the Roe v. Wade decision was announced 35 years ago, we rejoiced that women would no longer die from unsafe, illegal abortions.  Sadly, that ruling has been followed by years of violence against abortion clinics and providers.  Dr. Curtis Boyd, like many physicians and activists, risked his life and career to provide safe abortions to thousands of women.  Now his clinic has been destroyed by arson, leaving many women without the care they need.

“These attacks reverberate far beyond the clinic walls, affecting staff who cannot work, families who worry about their loved ones’ safety, and women and men who cannot receive essential healthcare.  These clinics provide a range of reproductive healthcare to women in New Mexico, from abortions to birth control to prenatal care.  When doctors and clinics are under attack, the health of the entire community suffers, as do science and civilized discourse.

“Violence against abortion clinics and providers must end.  We urge the pro-choice community in Albuquerque and around the United States to rally around those who provide these essential services.”

Wendy Chavkin, MD, MPH
Eugene Glick, MD, MPH
Sadja Greenwood, MD
Mildred S. Hanson, MD
Carole Joffe, PhD
Harry S. Jonas, MD
Miriam McCreary, MD
George Miks, MD
Reverend Howard Moody
Robert Tamis, MD  

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