PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACTION FUND OF NEW JERSEY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers 2022: 
Nine State Legislators Join Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NJ to Thank Abortion Providers

TRENTON, NJ – March 10 marks the National Day for the Appreciation of Abortion Providers. This day is commemorated annually in honor of Dr. David Gunn, an abortion provider who was murdered in Florida on this date in 1993. Abortion providers are steadfastly committed to ensuring their patients can exercise their right to make personal medical decisions and access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion.

Today, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey joins with nine New Jersey state legislators who celebrate and thank the abortion providers who provide care in our state: former Governor Richard Codey, Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, Assemblywoman Shama Haider, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, Assemblywoman Saddaf Jaffer, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight.

Earlier this year, we celebrated as Governor Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act into law, ensuring that all New Jerseyans have the right to access abortion care. But as we draw nearer to a Supreme Court decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade or render it meaningless, abortion rights across the country are at risk. Despite this, abortion providers continue to show up for their patients each and every day. Below, you will find the text of an open letter written in gratitude to New Jersey’s abortion providers, and the members of our state legislature who proudly add their names.

Open Letter

On March 10, 1993, an anti-abortion extremist murdered Dr. David Gunn, a Florida-based abortion provider. To honor Dr. Gunn’s life and work, and all of the courageous, compassionate people who provide abortions, we observe the National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers on the anniversary of that tragic day.

Abortion providers are brave, caring individuals who support patients in making their own reproductive choices. Abortion is lifesaving, essential health care. Abortion providers ensure that every individual can make the best decisions for their families, their lives, and their futures. Abortion providers stand up every day for their patients, and words cannot express the depth of our gratitude. Abortion providers change lives.

This year’s commemoration of the National Day of Appeciation for Abortion Providers comes as we are at a crossroads for abortion access across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn Roe v. Wade this summer, which would likely result in abortion becoming illegal in at least 26 states across the country. Here in New Jersey, our right to abortion is protected, but we must continue our work to ensure that all individuals can access the care they need. And so it is more important than ever that we celebrate the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff members who provide abortion services every day.

This National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers, we, the undersigned, thank abortion providers everywhere and make it known that abortion should be safe, legal, and accessible to everyone.

Signed,

Goverrnor Richard Codey
Senator Vin Gopal
Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese
Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro
Assemblywoman Shama Haider
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey
Assemblywoman Saddaf Jaffer
Assemblywoman Angela McKnight
Assemblywoman Shanique Speight